John Douglas Rush

Brother John Douglas Rush, age 80, passed away on March 17, 2023. It is with deep sadness we announce that John Douglas Rush has gone home to be with the Lord.  He died on Friday, March 17th, 2023 at the age of 80.  He took his last breath, surrounded by those he loved, after receiving a blessing from Pastor Rowan.  A life so beautifully lived, deserves to be beautifully remembered.

John Rush was born July 10, 1942.  He was the second eldest son born to John Thomas Rush Sr. and Georgia Jenkins.  He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at Mount Zion United Method Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi, which is still the family’s home church.

In 1961, his first daughter, Sandra, was born.  He attended Neshoba County School and Graduated from Longdale High in 1962.  While in high school, he also drove the School Bus for other students.  After graduating, he moved to Meridian, Mississippi and worked at Smith Bakery.

In 1962, John met the love of his life Odell McGlothin, and they were united in holy matrimony on June 23,1963.  And to that union were born Vickie Annette, and Victor John.  Shortly after marrying, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio.  He worked at Bailey Controls in Wickliffe, Ohio and enjoyed playing softball for the company team.  He was employed there for seventeen years, until an illness forced his retirement.

John was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board faithfully at his post for many years.  John was called on by the Church on many occasions to assist with minor repairs, and he was always very happy to help. John was also a volunteer coach for the Bethany Girls Basketball Team.

His hobbies included playing cards, watching and cheering for Cleveland sports teams, and an occasional trip to the Casino. John loved seeing old cars going down the street, He especially loved 57 Chevy’s.  John kept busy as everyone’s favorite handyman, carpenter and/or electrician.  When you could catch him at home, he’d be watching a game or an old favorite western and spending time with his family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Thomas Jr., Nephews Henry Thomas Rush; LaZaric Smith and Leslie Rush Jr.  Brother-in-laws Willie James McGlothin and Everett Smith.

John leaves to cherish his memory, devoted wife Odell, loving children Sandra Edwards Staden, Vickie Annette Rush-Alaji (Rashad), and Victor John Rush (Carol); Granddaughter LaTay Roberts; Brothers Leslie Rush (Morean), George Rush (Cecelia); Sister Jewel McDonald (Cleo);   Sister-in-Laws, Dorothy Rush, Elzeria McGlothin, Estella Smith, Katie McGlothin;  Brother-in-Laws Robert McGlothin Jr., Howard McGlothin (Gloria).  He is dearly loved by many nieces and nephews.  Long-time close friends – William Greer; Joe Boggan; Zed Long, Mark Brooks and Robert Mickens, and a host of other family and friends.

Very Special Thanks to Cousin Mary Buckley (affectionately known as Booty by John) who was and is always there willing to lend a helping hand.

Special Thanks to John’s Cleveland Clinic Care Team, Dr. Kanters, Dr. Koehler, and Dr. Simon.