Joan “Jo” M. Bussell

Joan “Jo” M. Bussell, 89, Lawrence, died on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in Lawrence, from complications of a stroke.

Jo was born January 7, 1929 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Lawrence and Myrtle (Crawford) Harrison.

She received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Central Michigan University.

After college, she worked as a social worker and at Michigan State University. She married Robert H. Bussell December 16, 1950 in Capac, MI. He preceded her in death July 16, 1976. After moving to Lawrence in 1963, she worked in book processing at the Lawrence Public Library. and was a secretary in the Education Department at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Jo worked at the hospital for 22 years, retiring at age 75.

Jo loved attending her grandchildren’s events, was a devoted KU basketball fan, enjoyed music, especially jazz music, and contemporary art. She was an avid reader of British mysteries, liked attending the theatre, and traveling.

Survivors include her three daughters, Jackie Bussell, Lawrence, Debra (Jack) Price, Rockville, MD, Marci Schroeder, Lawrence; son, Jim (Merlinda) Bussell, Great Mills, MD; stepson, Rob Wike, Lawrence; five grandchildren, Daniel Price, Jared Price, Janet Bussell, Michael Bussell and Erica Schroeder; a sister, Carol Schroeder, Capac, MI; a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Kaufman, Port Huron, MI; and a brother-in-law, Bill Bussell, Austin, TX.

She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Tom Schroeder and long-time companion, Edward L. Wike.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, August 1, at 11:00 a.m., at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Visiting Nurses Association Hospice Care or Star Living and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

10 Condolences

  1. Linda Helton on July 27, 2018 at 9:12 am

    My sincere condolences to all the Bussell families. What a sweet lady, she will be missed by so many. She touched many lives. Great lady. Prayers for all



  2. Aynsley Anderson Sosinski on July 27, 2018 at 3:26 pm

    My deepest condolences to all of the Bussell family on the passing of Jo. She was a great lady and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her at LMH. She was a wonderful conversationalist and lunch companion. Sending my caring thoughts your way.



  3. Myrna and Dave on July 27, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    I am so sorry for ur loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.



  4. Julie Daicoff on July 27, 2018 at 9:52 pm

    Your mother lived a life of love and service to others. She was a caring person who loved her family and loved people. I remember her through her kindness to my mother and their lasting friendship throughout the years. May your memory of her comfort you at this time.



  5. Susie Rutledge Amos on July 28, 2018 at 11:53 pm

    My deepest sympathy to you, Marci, and to your whole family. Jo was such a kind, caring mom and I loved spending time with her growing up. I am sending you all the love and strength I can during this difficult time.



  6. Steven Douglas on July 30, 2018 at 8:40 am

    Jim, Our most sincere condolences to you and your family. She must have been a great mom as to have raised a son as good as you. Prayers to you buddy and yours.



  7. James, John & Jerry Bong on July 30, 2018 at 10:04 am

    To Jackie, Debra, Marci, Jim and family, our condolences and deepest sympathy. The Bong family have known Mrs. Bussell for almost 50 years, first as neighbor and friend on West 8th Street for 40 years, and continued on as dear friend even after our parents passed on. Mrs. Bussell was a fantastic and sweet neighbor and friend, as long the Bong family had known her, always can count on Mrs. Bussell being around and supportive to our family. We will miss our dear “Mrs. Bussell” and will always cherish her loving friendship…our thoughts and prayers to her loving family and extended family, God Bless to all of you.
    Bong boys and family: James (Dallas, TX), John (Houston, TX), and Jerry (Chicago, IL).



  8. Rose Schaffer on July 31, 2018 at 8:19 am

    To Jackie, Deborah, Marci, Jim and their families:
    My deepest sympathy for your loss of dear Jo. She was an important part of the Lawrence Memorial family. Her kindness and compassion to make those she helped feel valued and cared for was heartfelt and made a difference in their lives and in my life. I will miss Jo deeply.



  9. J. Marie Hardwick on August 1, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    To the families of Jo and Robert Bussell,
    My sincere sympathies for your loss of Jo, and of Dr. Bob Bussell many years earlier while I was a student in his research laboratory at KU. Although cut short, my work under his guidance launched my career. I owe both of them a great deal. Jo was a remarkable and influential pillar for me upon his death. She was a genuinely kindhearted person of great internal strength and she will be deeply missed.



  10. Hunt Hool on August 2, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    Cousin Hunt Hool, family, and Crawford relatives:

    Met Joan only 1 1/2 yrs ago on the telephone, locating my cousin. Spoke every month, discussing the Crawford family past and present. Had an amazing first conversation, as she was so incredible, telling stories, joking, and so fun to chat with for long periods. I miss her very much already. Great lady that I wish I got to meet, but cherish our friendship and memories on the telephone. Looking forward to meeting you in Heaven some day. God Bless!!!



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