Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS

Obituary For Dr. Freda McKissic Bush

Dr. Freda McKissic Bush, M.D., a native of Arkansas, was involved in women’s health for fifty years. She graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Nursing and practiced as a nurse. Later, she graduated from Columbia University and became a nurse-midwife. Freda went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi Medical School and in 1987 completed her residency training at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. She was a practicing OB-GYN in Jackson, Mississippi from 1987 until her retirement in February 2017. She was also a Clinical Instructor in the Department of OB-GYN and Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She was a partner in private practice with East Lakeland OB-GYN and Associates in Jackson, Mississippi, a Fellow of the American College OB-GYN, and a Board Member of the American Association of Pro-life OB-GYN. Dr. Bush served on the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure from 1996-2006, including a term as president from 2000-2002. Later, Dr. Bush assumed the position of chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards' (FSMB) Board of Directors in 2010. The national FSMB, a not-for-profit organization, represents the 70 state medical and osteopathic boards in the United States to promote excellence in medical practice. In February 2012, she became President/CEO of the Medical Institute for Sexual Health. Freda co-authored with Joe S. McIlhaney, MD two books, HOOKED, New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children, and the last book released in January 2012, Girls Uncovered, New Research on What America’s Sexual Culture Does to Young Women. She was a Member of the Mississippi Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Teen Pregnancy Prevention and served as Chair of the Medical Advisory Subcommittee. Dr. Bush served as a Presidential appointee to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) from 2006-2009. She was a contributing writer to Faith Matters: How African American Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy published by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Dr. Bush was a member of the Physician’s Resource Council for Focus on the Family. She also served as a medical advisor for Heartbeat International and CareNet and served as Medical Director for the Center for Pregnancy Choices, Metro Jackson. During her vast career, much of her time was spent speaking on sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, and social behavior education. She presented seminars for health professionals, educators, parents, and youth in several cities and states; co-sponsoring a conference in Jackson, MS for seven years. Dr. Bush was interviewed on several TV programs as well as numerous radio programs including Focus on the Family and Family Life Today with Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family with Dr. Jim Daly, and Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey. She published articles in the Journal of Medical Regulation, The MS State Medical Association Journal, Christianity Today, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Living Metro Jackson. Dr. Bush was a proud resident of Jackson, Mississippi, and gave back to her community of West Jackson and to others. Her faith and light shone brightly and touched everyone she encountered. Dr. Bush was also a dedicated member of New Horizon Church International in Jackson, Mississippi. She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her devoted husband of fifty-three years, Lee R. Bush, Sr. as well as their four children – Freda Clarrette Gray of Charlotte, NC, Lea Rosel (David) Hall of Jacksonville, FL, Jocelyn Bush (Matthew) Watkins of San Diego, CA, and Lee Rodgers Bush, II of Jackson, MS; four brothers – Thirland (Helen) McKissic of Pine Bluff, AR, Ray E. McKissic of Washington, D.C, Gene Ellis McKissic of Pine Bluff, AR, Wm. Dwight (Vera) McKissic of Arlington, TX; one sister Waynetta McKissic (Dwight) Washington of Woodbridge, VA; son-in-law Preston Gray of Charlotte, NC; two sister-in-laws – Gloria McKissic of Pine Bluff, AR and Brenda J. Morrow of Milwaukee, WI; godsister – Machelle (Jeffrey) Kearney of Pine Bluff, AR; twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Freda was preceded in death by her two brothers, Bobby C. Morrow of Milwaukee, WI and Jimmy E. McKissic of Cannes, France and all over the World; two sisters, Jocelyn McKissic Byrd of Kansas City, MO and Barbara Rose McKissic of East St. Louis, IL.

A scholarship has been established at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) School of Nursing, Little Rock, Arkansas. In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to the Dr. Freda McKissic Bush Scholarship.

Family & Friends hour will be held on Thursday January 26, 2023, 5:00-7:00 p.m., New Horizon Church International, 1770 Ellis Ave. Jackson, MS 39204

Memorial Services will be held on Friday January 27, 2023, 11:00 a.m., New Horizon Church International, 1770 Ellis Ave. Jackson, MS 39204

Guest Book

Dear Family: Words cannot express our sadness for the loss of your dearly beloved Mother. May the God and Father of tenth mercies grant you all love, peace and comfort during this difficult time now and in the days to come. Please remember that the love that your dear Mother had for you all will forever remain in your hearts! Dr. Bush was a beautiful, brilliant doctor who touched the lives of of so many people and of course her many patients! Melvaline McCool and brother Robert Steen

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My deepest condolences to the Bush family. A great legacy! Cleola Taylor, MSN, RN

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The Bolton Family is offering prayers and comfort to Lee and the Bush Family during this difficult time. Freda was a delight, a beautiful person inside and out. We love you all and stand with you. Be forever blessed, Family.

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To the Bush Family! Our condolences to your family. Dr. Bush was my Ob-Gyn for 30 years!! She was a soft spoken person who really cared about her patients. She will be greatly missed and we send prayers for your strength through this time of transition. Mary Powell & Family

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May the Lord bless and continue to strengthen you and your family during this difficult time. Shay Thomas

- LaTanya Thomas -Bennett

My sincere condolences to the family.May the Lord bless and keep you.

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To the family of Dr.Freda Bush I am so sorry for your lost but my family will love to keep you in our prayers Dr.Bush thank you for picking up my heart beats I hate that I did not get a chance to meet you before you gained your wigs but I will remember you as it I was still in my mom stomach when you pick up my heart beat thank you thank you and thank you Dr.Bush you may rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️ Love from the Williams family of Christina and Dorothea Williams #thetwingirls.

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I loved loved loved Dr Bush because she first loved me. Her professionalism and compassion as my OB-GYN was Devine. She was God sent. My sincere prayers and condolences to her husband, children and entire family. May the love of God and His great comfort be with you all now and the days ahead. —-Janet Thomas

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Sending our sincere Condolences and deepest Sympathies to the Family for the loss of a Cherished Loved One. Freda was a dear friend and Colleague for many years. Our Prayers are with all during this time of great sadness. May God's Grace and Mercy give you strength. Robert & Betty Pugh

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To Clarrette and family: Sending our deepest sympathy for your loss. Praying that God will comfort you, like only He can. Love, Benjamin and Denise Singletary

- Benjamin B Singletary

Lee and family, you are in our prayers. Miss Freda was a special lady. From: Johnny & Renee McRight

- McRight Services LLC

My sincere condolences to the Bush and McKissic family. Thank you for being The Best OB/GYN and safe delivery of my twin boys. You were indeed a woman of God and you will forever be remembered!! Dr. Bush was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Sincerely, Sandra Johnson

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Dr. Bush was very special to me. She was a loving and caring person. She leave a legacy of love and hope behind. She will be truly missed. Deepest condolences and prayers for your family. Linda Eubanks

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I was privileged to know Freda and Lee during her time serving on the Physicians Resource Council at Focus on the Family. What a beautiful couple who were - so kind, gentle and loving. Freda had an amazing career and all who knew her were blessed by her countenance and love for the Lord. I will miss her and look forward to our great reunion in heaven - what a day of rejoicing that will be. Phil Stiver M.D.

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Condolences to Lee Bush and the family. Jan Hillegas

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Dr. Bush was truly a beautiful blessing to everyone she came in contact with. I a so thankful and grateful that God allowed her to be a blessing to us all. Dr. Bush was my doctor for both of my kids a son and daughter. My condolences and prayers are with the family. Jessie Pamplin

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Always a beautiful soul. Never felt like a stranger around her.

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Mr. Bush, Casandra and I are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Bush. I know first hand of her love and compassion. We will remember you and your entire family in prayer. God bless you. She is now at rest with Jesus Christ. Robert E. Carter (McDonald)

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Lee and family - we are praying for God's comfort and peace for you at this difficult time. Freda was very much loved, as are you. - David and Kim Davis

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Dear Lee and family: You each have lived your espoused vows of I DO over many decades and a long difficult illness! What a legacy for all to attempt to imitate! Freda, may perpetual light shine upon you always! Gratefully, Gerry and Vic

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God bless y'all she was love a good Doctor.

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To Lee Bush and family....I send condolences to you at this time. Freda and I sang in GR.mt.Calvary choir back-in-the-day. She and I were friends a long time. I'm so proud of all her hard work and achievements and you Lee hanging in there with her helping along the way.l feel God is pleased. I will miss you Freda...take your rest...we shall sing again together one day...may God bless you all...love, JACKIE BARIAL-JOHNSON

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Our condolences to the Bush family. May God comfort you during this time. The Greenfield Family

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To bro. Lee Bush and entire family....I send my condolences to you during this time. I will cherish my long time friendship with Dr. Freda for the rest of my life. We met at the old mt. Calvary on poindexter@ Lunch st. And marched to the new gr. Mt.Calvary on Robinson @ Broad st. And have been choir members and friends before she had even l child! I'm so proud of ALL her achievements and accomplishments in her life and the ob-gyn work and caring differences she made in WOMEN'S LIVES and health, and teen-agers! I'm glad and blessed to have known DR.FREDA BUSH,. MY FRIEND, SONG-MATE, AND CHILD OF THE KING....REST MY FREDA....HOPE TO SEE YA ONE DAY AT CHOIR REHEARSAL AND HEAVENLY CHOIR IN HEAVEN.....ALSO, SHE HAD A LOVELY SOPRANO VOICE,TOO...FAMILY BE COMFORTED AND STRENGTHENED BY GOD...YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED LEGACY....USE IT. YOUR ONE AND ONLY LONG TIME FRIEND...MARY LINDA HOLDEN🙏❤️

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Hello Bush Family, The Dukes Family is praying for you. We love you.

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Deepest sympathy for the Bush family. Dr. Bush was a beautiful person with a heart of gold. She will be missed.

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I have many wonderful memories of Freda at the Focus on the Family PhysiciansResource Council and the Medical Institute for Sexual Health , both of which she served on with my late husband, Tom Fitch. I smile as I think of her welcome to Heaven by Tom!! Sending prayers to Lee & all her family,Laurie Fitch

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My condolences to the family of Dr. Freda Bush. She was much loved and will missed. Carolyn McGruder

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Dr. Bush was my very first doctor. I loved her. She was always gentle and kind and made a young girl feel at ease with an uncomfortable but important part of life. Her faithfulness to Jesus was obvious and she was an example of how faith can fit in professional life and benefit a community. I pray her family will feel Holy Spirit's presence and comfort as they mourn. With deepest sympathies - Christy Soloveichik

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Deepest sympathy to Lee and family. So sorry to get the news of Freda's passing. So sorry we haven't kept in touch these past years. I have such fond memories of our past experiences together.

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Rest in peace, Dr. Freda M. Bush. Sending my deepest condolences to the family! Kathy Reeves

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Condolences to the Bush and McKissic family. I knew Dr. Bush from our early childhood as her father, Rev. James McKissic was my pastor. This family showed God's love in all they did. Dr. Bush honored me by being a bridesmaid in my wedding. I will always cherish her in my heart. Jean Perkins Stevenson

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To the family of the late Dr. Freda McKissic Bush: Weeping may endure for a night but Joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5. (KJV) Dr. Bush was my doctor for over 30 plus years. She exceeded expectations in her field of study and she also personified her walk with God. I will always remember her treating me as if I was one of her own. May God give you strength, comfort and peace throughout the days ahead. Katrina Hicks Crystal Springs, MS

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Deepest condolences and prayers for you all. Dr. Bush has left a legacy behind 🙏🏽🙏🏽

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To Nia & family, prayers of comfort & peace. She had an awesome smile.

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To Lea and the Bush family, I pray that God cover you with His strength and peace. Lean on His everlasting arms. May loving memories of your dear mother and wife forever comfort you.

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Praying for comfort and healing to the loved ones of Dr. Freda Bush. Her light will be forever remembered in this world and beyond! Dr. Joy Jackson

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Praying for the Bush family at this time of the loss of their dear mother and wife, Lee Sr., Lee Jr. and Jocelyn. Sincerely, Renada Stovall

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS