Lovie was born on June 23, 1940, to Perry Lee and Lovie Wingate. Tragically, her mother passed away during childbirth. She was adopted and raised by Ralph and Lucille Hatcher Bush, who loved her as their own. Throughout her life, she remained connected to her birth family, enjoying the love of both families. Lovie married the love of her life, James Edward Kusick, and together they began a life of faith and service. The couple moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where James attended seminary. As a devoted pastor's wife, Lovie faithfully served alongside her husband, often sharing her musical talents by playing the piano. Lovie was a faithful member of Wess Chapel Baptist Church as long as her health allowed her to attend.
Lovie dedicated 25 years of her life as a school bus driver, safely transporting countless children. Later, she became the primary caregiver for her husband following his stroke. She became interested in and was certified in Homeopathic Medicine focusing on Nutrition.
Throughout her life, Lovie faced extraordinary challenges with courage. After being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she made Louisville, Mississippi, her home. In 2014, she survived the devastating tornado that struck Louisville, enduring the destruction of her home while she was inside. Through the kindness and generosity of Samaritan's Purse, her home was rebuilt.
She was an enthusiastic early-bird garage sale shopper. She also enjoyed watching home shopping channels, traveling with friends, and never turned down a Little Debbie snack cake.
Lovie leaves behind many cherished family members. She is survived by her daughters, Penny Crowson (Chris) of Louisville; and Jenny Sutton of Burbank, California; and her daughter-in-law, Geri Kusick of Bluff City, Tennessee. One of her greatest joys was being “Mamaw Lovie” to her grandchildren: Sarah Crowson Deal (Michael), Paul Crowson, Amanda Kusick, Stephen Kusick, Katelyn Kusick, Michael Sutton, Noah Sutton, and Lovie Sutton; as well as her four great-grandchildren: John Thomas Deal, Daniel Deal, Baileigh Crowson, and Logan Crowson. She is also survived by her sister, Leola Boyd; in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Lovie is preceded in death in death by her husband of 41 years, James Edward Kusick; son, Steve Kusick; granddaughter, Rachel Crowson; great-grandson, Collin Deal; her birth parents, Perry Lee and Lovie Wingate; her adoptive parents, Ralph and Lucille Bush; three sisters, Louise, Bonnie and Julia Kate; and four brothers: Aubrey Bush, Preston Wingate, Austin Wingate, and Joe Bennett Wingate.
