Betty Sue Bessinger Bryant Rucker

Mrs. Betty Sue (Bessinger) Bryant Rucker, 87, of Ozark, MO, formerly of Elberton, GA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her home on May 1, 2026.

Mrs. Betty Sue was born in Orangeburg, S.C. on September 15, 1938, but moved to Elberton  at the age of two. Betty Sue graduated from Elberton High School in 1956. She worked at Elberton Manufacturing in the shipping department upon graduation until she started driving the school bus in 1976. She drove for Elbert County School District for 32 years.

Betty Sue trusted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1949 at the age of eleven. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Elberton and Bowman Baptist Church in Bowman where she faithfully served her Lord.

In 2019, Betty Sue moved to Ozark, Missouri where her son-in-law pastors First Baptist Church. She wanted to be closer to her daughter and grandkids. She built a house on her daughter and son-in-law’s property and loved being in her small home where she was close to family every day.

She enjoyed her time with the church family at First Baptist Church Ozark and was active in the Senior Adult ministry and her Sunday school class.

In her later years, she loved playing board games with family, doing puzzles, drawing wildlife scenery, and cooking Southern food. Her greatest joy was spending time with her daughter Thrift store shopping, playing, talking, and laughing with her grandkids and great-grandchildren.

Betty Sue is survived by her daughter Natalie Bryant Burden (Phillip) of Ozark, MO; grandsons: Timothy Burden (Hannah) of Ozark, Merritt Burden (Chloi) of Ozark, and Nathan Burden of Ozark; granddaughter, Alaina Burden (Matthew) of Vincent, AL; and great-grands: Logan, Cole, Carter, Case, Maryn, Hudson, and Tate; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were husbands: Coy James Bryant and Billy Walker Rucker; brothers: Buck, Furman, and Marvin Bessinger; and sister, Mary Francis Durham Ayers. Her parents were the late John and Verna Lee Bessinger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Ozark, under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, with Pastor Philip Burden officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. immediately before the funeral at the church.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, in Elmhurst Cemetery, Elberton Georgia.

Berry Funeral Home of Elberton is in charge of local arrangements for Mrs. Betty Sue Bessinger Bryant Rucker.