Obituary of Thelma Bussey

Thelma Bussey was born to the late Eugene and Iola Barber. Thelma was born a twin, with her brother Theochia on January 27, 1922 in Chester, South Carolina. She was the sixth child of eleven children which all preceded her in death. Her brothers and sisters were Harvey Lee, Wilbur, Ernest, Clarence, James, Theochia, Alma, Minnie, Esther and Annie Ruth. Thelma lived in Chester, South Carolina for a while before moving to New York. She later moved to West Atco, N.J. where she made her home. Thelma worked doing a variety of jobs. She began working for BJ's Guest Home as a cook when it was first built; it later became R&M Guest home where she continued to work until her retirement. Thelma was a very hard and dedicated worker. In 1964, Thelma began caring for foster children from the State. All through her life she cared for many, many foster children, as well as, mentally disabled children. She even took in six children from a single family to keep all the children together. She purchased her own land in Chesilhurst, N.J. where she assisted with the building of her own home to care for all her foster children. Even with only a 3rd grade education, Thelma had what she called "Mothers Wit". She was a very good foster mother and mom. She adopted two of her foster children as her own. She taught all the children to be honest, work hard and get an education. All of her foster children grew up and left to live their own lives. Thelma was a very angelic individual who cared for anyone who crossed her path and needed assistance. She was truly one of Gods angels from above. Even though it was not shown by all of her kids much appreciation and thank you is owed to Thelma for leading her kids onto the right path of life; with that they will always love and appreciate her and remember what she taught them. Thelma's past-time hobbies were shopping for antiques and knick-knacks at the Berlin Farmer's Market and yard sales. She often loved fishing with her dearest friends. Thelma's family would often come down from New York to visit, go shopping at the Market and just to have a good time with her. Thelma was admired for her strength and determination to be what God had wanted her to be and that, she did well until the end. She was promised that she would be cared for in her own home as long as she lived. Her work here on earth after 94 years is done and now she can rest in heaven for a job well done. Thelma leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Tony Washington, her son David Anderson and daughter, Patricia Bussey, and many, many foster children. Many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and those whom life she has touched and cared for, including her good friends. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing and funeral on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 9 to 10 AM at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike in Atco, where a funeral service will be held at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Berlin Cemetery in Berlin. For more information or to e-mail a condolence, please visit www.lpwoosterfuneralhome.com.