Virginia Tyson Bussey

     Our dear mama, Virginia Tyson (Smith) Bussey, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Waco, Texas, in the presence of loving family. Born on August 30, 1936, in Cleburne, Texas, she was the cherished daughter of Muriel Nanny Smith and Lawrence James Smith of Stephenville, Texas. She was preceded in death by her brother Lawrence (Larry) James Smith, Jr., sister-in-law Janice (Jan) Smith, sister Nan Smith, former husband Dr. William Allen Bussey, D.D.S., and grandson Trevor Bussey.
     She was a loving mother of three. In the 1960's she juggled a modeling career with her roles of housewife and mother. In 1965 she was one of the models in the opening ceremony for the Astrodome in Houston. Virginia is survived by her children, William (Bill) Allen Bussey, Jr. (Angie), Nan Bussey Braley (Kevin), and Kathleen (Kat) Bussey Constable (Keith), who were her pride and joy. She was also a beloved grandmother to Shaun (Michelle), Joseph (Jenn), and Seth Braley, Luke Bussey, Crystal Alvarez (Rafa), Kyle Coleman (Monica), Georgia Constable Dixon (Travis), and Nixon, London, and Simon Constable. She was also a dear great-grandmother to Alexander, Quinn, Lily, Imani, baby girl Alvarez and Asher. 
     Virginia doted on her children, running them to their many activities. She was a creative and accomplished seamstress who sewed her children’s stylish clothes, award-winning costumes, and daughters’ beautiful gowns and dresses for dances.
     Virginia was known for her love of big dogs, and she cared for many over the years. She had a great love of cats, horses, and never met an animal she didn’t love on the spot.
     She enjoyed camping and fishing and taking vacations with her family. She was an excellent hostess for large family gatherings with beloved nieces and nephews and other family members at her parents’ house. She also loved dancing, live music and casino trips.
     Virginia worked for many years as the receptionist at the Equal Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) in Waco. She also worked in the nursery at Bosqueville Baptist Church. She was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco, for many years.
     Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Baylor Scott and White Hospice and Regent Care Center for their compassionate care and support during her final days.
    A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with Rev. Garrett Lane officiating. Burial will follow the service at White Hall Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Humane Society of Central Texas, a cause close to her heart or to St. Alban's Episcopal Church at 305 N.30th Street, Waco, Texas 76710
     Though she is no longer with us, Virginia’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her fiery spirit lives on in her children.