Ms. Cora J. Bush

Cora Jean (Birks) Bush born June 27th, 1934 to the union of Seth Birks and Lena Katherine Pleasant Birks Oliver departed this life on November 5th, 2022, at home and under the care of her granddaughter, Mrs.  Lisa Cushon Powell (Michael).  She is preceded in death by her parents, Seth Birks and Lena K. Pleasant Birks Oliver; the marital unions of Irwin Cushon, Warren Goodlow and James (Jim) Bush; her adopted daughter, Karry Goodlow; brothers, John Alfred Oliver, Sr., Harry Woods, Willard Oliver, Herman Birks, Sr., Walter Oliver, Frank Oliver and sisters: Geraldine Oliver Hall, Mary Louise Woods Garth, Lella Jo Birks Nelson Taylor, and Javonne Oliver.

Being raised in the historical acreage of the Leeds’s District is where her formative education began.  She attended Dunbar Elementary School through the 7th grade.  She then attended R. T. Coles and Lincoln High Schools. 

Mrs. Bush began working at an early age at St. Joseph Hospital located at 31st and Linwood Boulevard and Prospect.  There she and her sister, Darlene worked in the Sterilization/Laundry Unit certified as C.N.A.’s.  Her next and last employer was the Wilcox Electric Company where she retired in the early 90’s. 

As a weaver of love, she served throughout the community specifically, Lincoln High School National Alumni Association as a treasurer and founded along with her sister Lella Jo, the “Deb Starlett Club,” a social organization, in 1967 where they sponsored social events that afforded educational scholarships for students. 

Accepting Christ at an early age, Mrs. Bush became a long-standing member of the Greater Corinthian Church of Christ Non-Denominational as she served as an usher and as an Elder on the Mother’s Board.

We will remember her special interests in family, church, card games, gardening, enjoying times at the Ozarks and cooking.  Long live the life values and love of our Cora Jean Bush.  Her laughter, her sensibility and discernment in our guidance will be everlasting. 

Mrs. Cora Jean (Birks) Bush is survived by her daughter Vanessa Cushon; grandchildren Mrs. Lisa Cushon Powell (Michael) and Stanley Cushon of Houma, LA.; Great grandchildren:  Keon Cushon, Mykel Cushon, Martay Cushon, Deonté Cushon, De’Marea Cushon, Joshua Cushon, Myka Cushon and Mykeese Cushon and seven Great Great Grandchildren.  Two brothers:  Robert Birks of Oakland, CA and Clarence (Don) Oliver; Two sisters:  Darlene Oliver and Ada Shaw and Five generations of nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends and church family. 

Mrs. Cora Jean (Birks) Bush’s services will be held at Watkins Heritage Chapel, 4000 Emanuel Cleaver, II Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64130 on Saturday, November 19th, 2022.  Visitation begins at 10:00 and services at 11:00 a.m.  Internment Mount Mariah Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Cora J. Bush, please visit our floral store.