Willie Faye Bush

Willie Faye Bush of Gainesville Ga, transitioned to her heavenly home on January 24th, 2025 peacefully in her sleep. Faye was born on August 27th, 1934 in Martin Ga., to the union of the late Maggie and Ace Johnson. In 1948 Faye Bush moved from Martin Ga. to Gainesville. to further her education. She was 14 years old and in the 7th grade. She moved in with her sister in a community called Newtown. She accepted Jesus Christ into her life at a tender age and was an active and faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. She was a praying woman who loved to call on the name of the Lord. Ms. Faye, as she was affectionately called, was also a business woman. At a young age she directed a band, sold products and was always exploring business opportunities to help inspire others to become business owners. She followed her mother’s footsteps and became an active member of the Newtown Florist Club. She became executive director of the Newtown Florist Club in the early seventies and led the organization towards promoting youth development, and organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice.. She was named recipient of The Liberty Bell Award that recognizes a nonlawyer who promotes law and education of law. She spearheaded the renaming of MLK Jr. Blvd. and the Ruby Wilkins park, strived for voting rights and organized the MLK marches. She was very active in the civil rights movement. Her life was dedicated to children and youth working tirelessly to provide programs that would keep them busy and off the streets including The Girls Leadership Program, Bright Teens United For A Future (BTUFF), annual Summer Programs and the Youth Bucket Brigade. Faye was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Her husband the late Howard Bush, three of her sisters: Dora ( Booker T ) Harbin, Mozetta ( Lee ) Whelchel, Drewnella (Robert) Ramsey; two of her brothers: L.V. Johnson, and Ace Johnson Jr.; her oldest son Gregory Lamar Mize, her grandson Deotris Lamar Mize, great grandson Sexton Samaud Rucker, and great great grandchild Noah Gray. She is survived by her children: Jackie Loretta Mize, Jonathan Craig Butts,and Rebecca Bush nine grandchildren ( Gregory Mize’s children) Traci (Kerick) Mize Knight, Gregory Kilo Mize, Courtney (Lee) Mize Smith, Mechee’ Johnson; (Jackie Mize’s children) Selinea Faye Stringer, Irene Renae Stringer Lipscomb; (Jonathan Butt’s children) Mia Turner Bledson, Jonathan Xzavier Butts, and Bianca (Ty) Butts Williams. twenty-one great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. And special friends Mrs. Annette Westbrook, Ms. Betty Butts, Rev. Rosetta Johnson, Ms. Delinda Luster, and Mrs. Pamela Stokes The Newtown Florist Club gave her her flowers while she was still living with the honor of having Willie Faye Bush Day proclaimed by the Gainesville City Council and naming the street entering into the Newtown community from McDonald to Dunbar streets, Willie Faye Bush Street. Ms.Faye was a pillar of the community. In her honor, we leave her words with you, “In the late 50’S under the influence of Mrs. Ruby Wilkins I began the work to improve conditions in my neighborhood in the City of Gainesville and throughout the state. I have continued the work and will carry on till the good Lord takes me home.”

Willie Faye Bush

August 27, 1934 - January 24, 2025