Betty Sue Rucker

Betty Sue (Bessinger) Bryant Rucker, 87, of Ozark, formerly of Elberton passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Ozark, Missouri. Mrs. Betty Sue was born in Orangeburg, S.C. on September 15, 1938, but moved to Elberton age at the age of two. Betty 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. Co. 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 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 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, Nathan Burden of Ozark, and one granddaughter, Alaina Burden (Matthew) of Vincent, Alabama, and Great grands, Logan, Cole, Carter, Case, Maryn, Hudson, and Tate, also, several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was husband Coy J. Bryant and Billy Rucker. Brothers, Buck, Furman, and Marvin Bessinger and a sister, Mary Francis Durham Ayers. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Bessinger.

A funeral service for Betty Rucker will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Ozark, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Phillip Burden officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. immediately before the funeral at the church.

Private burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery, Elberton Georgia on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark and Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, Georgia.