DECEMBER 18th, 1936 – AUGUST 25th, 2026
In the Care of Laird Funeral Home
Mass of Christian Burial for Jennie Elizabeth Packard Bush, 89, of Woden will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Laird Funeral Home with a Rosary to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Jennie Elizabeth Bush was more than a mother, Granny, sister, and friend – she was the heart of her family and truly one of a kind. On August 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family she treasured so deeply, Jennie peacefully completed her journey here on earth and went home to be with the Lord at the age of 89. She was born on December18, 1936 the daughter of Dudley and Jennie Clark Packard.
To know Jennie was to know a woman with a presence you simply could not forget. She was strong, loving, funny, feisty and completely herself. She loved fiercely, spoke her mind freely and lived life on her own terms. Her family often said, “She wasn’t just a lady – she was a legend” and there could not be a more fitting way to describe her.
But above everything else, Jennie’s greatest legacy was her family. She was Mama and Granny and those were more than names – they represented a lifetime of loving, nurturing, worrying, laughing, sacrificing and making memories that her family will carry with them forever. Her passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot describe, but the love she poured into her family will remain long after the tears have dried.
Jennie Elizabeth Bush, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. Strong, independent, loving, and full of wit, she lived life on her own terms and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Jennie never met a stranger. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, loved and accepted. Everyone who knew her loved her – and if they didn’t, well, she didn’t lose any sleep over it. Her feisty spirit, honest nature and unforgettable sense of humor made her truly one of a kind. Her laughter was contagious, her love was unwavering and her presence could light up any room.
Jennie devoted her life to serving others by being a caretaker for the elderly and children which is where she earned her nick name Jen Jen.
Jennie was married to Bobby Joe Bush for 44 years. Together they raised six wonderful children and built a family rooted in love, strength and resilience. Though their marriage later ended, they remained friends until Bobby Joe’s passing, a testament to the respect and care they continued to share throughout their lives.
Later in life, Jennie found love and companionship with Larry Perkins, her faithful companion of more than 20 years. Together they created countless cherished memories, shared endless laughter and enjoyed a beautiful chapter of life filled with joy, friendship and devotion.
Above all else, Jennie was everything a mama should be. She loved fiercely, gave generously and always put her family first. Her children knew they were loved beyond measure and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She was a wonderful Granny whose love, wisdom, quick wit and warm embrace will be carried forward for generations.
She is survived by her children, Cindy Watson & husband David, Lisa Bush Driver, Bibby Dyson and Camille Pinkston & husband Bradley; 9 grandchildren, Jason Channel, Liea Caudle, Savannah Center, Kayla Watson, Carmen Bass, Claire Fountain, Logan Smith, Chase Smith and Skylar Smith; 13 great-grandchildren, Trenton Channel, Triston Channel, Aaron Caudle, Kyndal Gibson, Hudson Fuller, Jusslyn Matteson, Gabriel Center, Cohyn Bass, Cooper Bass, Casyn Bass, Kye Fountain, Krew Fountain and Kreed Fountain and 2 great-great-grandchildren Kennedy Caudle and Audrey Caudle; brother George Packard & wife Dot as well as numerous nieces and nephews who dearly loved their “Aunt Jen Jen.”
Jennie was preceded in death by her daughter Lydia Channel; son David Bush; grandson Michael Channel; former husband and dear friend Bobby Joe Bush; faithful companion Larry Perkins; parents Dudley & Jennie Packard and siblings, Dudley Packard & wife Louise, Tommy Packard & wife Liz, Gerald Packard & wife Kathy, Mary Holt & husband Carroll, Bobby Packard, B.J. Packard, Sr. and Eunice Pantallion.
Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort in the countless memories she gave us and the legacy of love she leaves behind. Her stories will continue to be told, her laughter will continue to echo in our memories and her love will remain forever in our hearts.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jennie Elizabeth Bush, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.