of Rushing, AR
December 10, 1938 - June 12, 2022
Frances Angalee Berry Rushing passed away peacefully at her home in Rushing, Arkansas on June 12, 2022 from the effects of Parkinson's Disease. Angalee was the first-born child of Aubrey and Ruby Berry. She was a tiny baby, born prematurely at the family's home at Turkey Creek on December 10, 1938. Ten more children would be added to the Berry family, with each of the older girls taking responsibility to help with their younger siblings. Angalee enjoyed her days on Turkey Creek, playing with siblings and cousins while living near her grandparents, Logan and Goldie Belle Berry. Her maternal grandmother, Gertrude Morris, widow of Jeff Morris, was an invalid in her later years and frequently stayed with the Berry family. Angalee learned from her mother's and grandmother's positive attitudes which helped her through her own tough times.
The Berry family lived in Illinois for a time, with Aubrey working in timber and operating a sawmill. They came back to Turkey Creek before moving again to east Arkansas for about three years, where every family member that was old enough worked in the cotton fields. There Angalee and her siblings attended school at Burdette. Finally, the Berry family moved back to Fox where Angalee would finish her senior year at Rural Special School. She was a cheerleader, FFA Sweetheart and a member of the Glee Club. The year after graduating high school, Angalee was recruited to keep the team stats for the new coach at Rural Special, Rodney Rushing. They began a courtship that season that culminated in marriage on August 31, 1956. Rodney was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. While he was serving in Germany, their first child, Phillip, was born in 1957. The family of three reunited upon Rodney's return in 1958 and made their first home together. Terry was born the following year. Two girls, Renee and Rachelle, would later even the score.
Once Rachelle was nearing school age, Angalee continued her education, earning a Bachelors in Education at what is now the University of Central Arkansas. Her teaching career began with first graders at Mountain View School. A few years later, she was hired at Rural Special School where she taught 6th grade and completed a 29-year career. Angalee loved books and read to her students after lunch each day. She also gave them writing assignments that included interviewing family or community members. Several of those stories were published in Heritage of Stone.
Rodney and Angalee had a strong interest in genealogy and preserving local history. Angalee enjoyed scrapbooking their family activities. They took trips to research their own family roots. They were charter members of the Stone County Historical Society and worked on numerous publications over the years. They co-authored with others two volumes of Fox History. Angalee was also a volunteer for Stone County Medical Center Auxiliary.
Angalee was a member of Antioch General Baptist Church where over the years she served in many capacities from teacher to secretary to Vacation Bible School director/teacher, teacher at Formosa Youth Camp and compiler of church history. Rodney and Angalee shared a love for gospel music and the family of six sang together at church.
Rodney and Angalee's favorite role was being grandparents. They loved attending ballgames, school and church events and just playing with the grandkids on the farm.
Survivors are four children; Phillip (Kathy) Rushing, Terry (Ladonna) Rushing, Renee (Philip) Carr and Rachelle (Terry) Stewart, all of Rushing. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Nicholas (Amara) Rushing and son, Elisha; Kayla (Jake) Jump and children, Lexie, Logan, and Natalie Newman; Nicki (Dusty) Osburn and children, Aden and Preslie; Kayla (Bret) Knapp and children, Mason and Tristan; Kristin (Matt) Marsolf and children, Makena, Gage, Blake, and Kinley; Trent (Rachel) Rushing and children, Jocelyn and Allison; Layton Reeves; Autumn (Dwight) Gillihan and children, Alaina and Rhett; Weston Reeves and daughter, Freya Olivia Reeves; Derek (Brittani) Carr and children, Angalee and Zane; Hunter (Emily) Carr and son, Ellison; Weston Carr; Dustin (Aubrey Ann) Stewart and children, Rush, Davis and Saylor; Dylan (Haley) Stewart and children ,Cooper, Crawford and Clay. All siblings surviving; Gearldee Dodd, Shirley (Coy) Sutterfield, Dayle (Bill) Bonds, Gayle Morrison, Janice Miller, Deloris (James) Brewer, Faye (Frank) Rushing, Jay (Judy) Berry, Randy (Holly) Berry and Marty (Janice) Berry. Brother-in-law, Charles Anthel Rushing and sisters-in-law, Carol Rushing and Doris Rushing.
Angalee's four children and special caregivers Janice Miller, Faye Rushing, Charlene Carr and Jo Hamilton provided 24/7 care for her after the passing of her beloved husband and primary caregiver, Phillip Rodney Rushing on November 21, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents and four brothers-in-law; Donald Dodd, Horace Morrison, Paul Miller and Carmon Rushing.
Visitation is Wednesday, 4:30-6:30pm at Antioch Outreach Center at Rushing. Funeral is Thursday, 2pm at Antioch General Baptist Church. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and the message will be provided by Roy Dale Clark, Nicholas Rushing and Dylan Stewart. Arrangements are by Roller Crouch Funeral Home.
Pallbearers; Nicholas Rushing, Trent Rushing, Derek Carr, Hunter Carr, Weston Carr, Dustin Stewart, Dylan Stewart, Layton Reeves and Weston Reeves
Sign Guestbook
23 Condolence(s)
Janie Cannon
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Angelee was such a precious lady! Although I never had her as a teacher, I have nieces and nephews who did and they loved her. Prayers for strength and comfort to her family during this hard time. I’m sure she’s rejoicing with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family that’s already in Heaven.
Janie Parker Cannon
Joe and Bonnie Beck
Sunday, June 19, 2022
You are in our prayers. we care.
Gayle Ghent
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Angalee was always so kind. She will truly be missed by many.
Praying for God’s peace for all!
Jesse, Louis and Lula Berry
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Our condolences and prayers go out to the family. My 6th. Grade class picture with Angalee has hung on the bedroom wall for over 25 years now here on the farm.And that’s where it will stay. It really saddens me to hear of her passing. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Her kids should all be proud of what they have accomplished as a family’. I will miss Rodney and Angalee both. I never pass their old or new house without thinking of them.
Chris Morrison
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
To the Rushing and Berry family,
What a privilege and blessing it has been to have such a wonderful family, in all its number, branches, and generations. I am thankful to have know Uncle Rodney and Aunt Angalee and all of their extended family. They always welcomed us up for visits and opened their home with the most genuine hospitality and kindness possible. My life was enriched by spending time with them and the love they demonstrated.
I know this one is difficult for the Berry family...the eleven kids...though losing several spouses already...now to lose the first of the kids. I will be praying for you all.
To Phillip, Terry, Renee and Rachelle...I love you all. You are wonderful extensions of the two people that you all were blessed to have as parents. Though they are gone in this present flesh, remember that the Word of God assures you...they are present with the Lord! I am praying for everyone regarding the visitation, the service and the times you will miss Angalee so much!
What a beautiful picture posted on this obituary! A precious lady!
Bro. Chris
Diane osburn
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Angelee was one of the most compassionate people, along with her mother Ruby, who was a dear friend of my mother. I enjoyed seeing her at church and believe she continued to grow as a Christian to understand others difficult paths. God rest her soul. I know it was her time, but she will be missed.
Betty and Howard Hooker
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, We pray the Lord brings comfort to each of you during this difficult time. She was a wonderful lady, she made us feel so welcome when we came to church and we really appreciated it.
Quinton and Linda Pennington
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Condolences to all the family. The General Baptist Association lost a loyal and dedicated member. It was always a joy to visit with her!
Shelly Ross Carney
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person!!! Love and prayers for the whole family.
Silas Berry Jr
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
So sorry to hear of Angelee’s passing, but comforting to know she is in Heaven. I am a first cousin , my Dad Silas was Aubrey,s brother. I enjoyed spending time with my Aunt Ruby and uncle Aubrey when we visited on summer vacations. Angalee was not usually there but I remember how beautiful and smart she was. My condolences to the family.
Rozell Lewis
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss.My sympathy to the family. I have so many memories of our high school years and the years since. Angalee will be missed by many.
Rhonda Maddeaux
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
So sorry for your families loss. Prayers that God will give strength and comfort to sustain thru the next few days and weeks, although missing our loved ones never goes away, the comfort we have knowing we will see them again one day helps!
Davi Girão de Paula
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Prayers and positive thoughts to the whole family!
Gran was an amazing person and taught me a lot while I’ve had the luck and great opportunity to live with her and Papa.
They were amazing with their grandchild and I am glad that I had the opportunity to be treated as one of them.
During the past years I’ve kept in touch with Dustin and as we spoke yesterday:
I’m thankful that she is with papa now with a new mind and body!
All the love from Brazil to the whole family and community!
Carol Wade
Monday, June 13, 2022
My prayers go out for the family of this fine lady. May God help you find peace within your sorrow.
Rowdy and Carrie Ross
Monday, June 13, 2022
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family.
Travis Love
Monday, June 13, 2022
To the Rushing family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Frances was a very fine Christian lady. Over the years, she and I worked together in Post Oak Grove and Camp Formosa. As a mother, worker and a teacher, she loved her kids and they loved her. Meri and I will be praying for all of you and your church family. One thing is certain, she is enjoying all she worked for in heaven and for that we can celebrate the example her and Rodney gave us all. God Bless you all and we love your family.
Gail Melton Rodgers
Monday, June 13, 2022
Prayers for all of you. I am excited for her. She is well and safe in the arms of Jesus. Looking forward to that myself some day My Dad, Webster Berry, had Alzheimer’s for 14 years. It was so hard on him and everyone. We were grateful when he finally was through his time on earth. We always will miss them but have all those wonderful memories to keep forever. Farewell Angalee, till we meet again……
LaTrisha (Allen) Blair
Monday, June 13, 2022
Such a beautiful blessing to any and everyone she encountered or taught. I loved her beautiful personality and genuine caring personality. My heart goes out to the family during this hard time. Much love and prayers.
Debra Kocher
Monday, June 13, 2022
Angalee was a very special lady and lived her life as a true Christian woman. She was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. She was an example to me as an individual and as a teacher. She encouraged me as I started my teaching career. Angalee was a joy to be around.
Pat Reeves
Monday, June 13, 2022
Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Ruth and Gary McClelland
Monday, June 13, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of this sweet lady. She seem to always wear a smile and brighten a room.
She will surely be missed.
Ruth and Gary
Cheryl Fraim
Monday, June 13, 2022
So sorry to hear of Angalee’s passing. I have many memories of my younger years when we would visit for vacations & holidays and seeing all of you. My deepest condolences to the family. May the Lord sustain you through this difficult time.
Ronda Ivy
Monday, June 13, 2022
Angalee was such fine lady who taught by example and raised a wonderful family. She will be missed by the many she touched with her life. Prayers for the family.