Shelva Jean Rushing Deal, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 at Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Facility surrounded by her family.

Jean was a native and long time resident of Bulloch County and was the daughter of the late Walter Rushing and Lessie Waters Rushing.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Wyman Deal; her son, Randy Deal; her sister, Dot Rushing Cowart; her brother, Dan Rushing; and her love of eighteen years, Paul L. Moore.

For more than thirty-five years, Jean worked at Belk, where her love of fashion and people served her well. Countless customers came into the store and specifically requested Jean’s assistance, a testament to the genuine connections she made and the trust they placed in her. She retired in 2002, but retirement didn’t keep Jean from staying busy. She began working at Hodges-Moore Funeral Home in 2003, where she enjoyed the lasting friendships she made with coworkers that became family, and the many people she came to know and serve through the years.

She was a true Southern lady with a style and personality all her own. Jean was always dressed to the nines and took great pride in looking her best, no matter the occasion. Those who knew Jean loved her wonderfully dry wit and quick sense of humor. She had a knack for delivering a perfectly timed comment with a straight face and could make you laugh at the most inopportune times. You never quite knew what Jean might say, and that was part of what made her so special to those who loved her most. Jean also had an undeniable sweet tooth. Given the choice between a proper meal and something sweet, candy or dessert and a “Coke Cola” would win every time.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, whether it was something sweet, a good laugh, playing cards with her beloved Thursday card group, or simply spending time with the people she loved the most.

Above all, Jean loved her family. She treasured the time spent with those closest to her and leaves them with countless memories, plenty of stories to tell and more than a few of Jean’s signature sayings that will continue to bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

Surviving are her two grandsons, Chris (Nichole) Deal and Marshall (Alicia) Deal; three great-grandchildren, Wyman Deal, Kinsley Deal and Maliah Deal; two brothers, Jerry (Barbara) Rushing and Mack (Janet) Rushing; several nieces and nephews; her beloved cat, Prissy; and the Moores who became her extended family.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 from 2:00 until 3:00 PM at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church.

A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Deal, Dustin Rushing, Justin Norris, Steve Hotchkiss, Skeebo Moore, Craig Moore, and Preston Moore.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Southern Manor Retirement Inn for the kindness, care and compassion shown to Jean and her family.

Anderson- Newman Funeral Homes is in charge of the arrangements.