Sandra "Sandy" Rusher

Adairsville, GA – Mrs. Sandra “Sandy” Lynn Barbee Rusher, 77, of 39 Thacker Trail, Adairsville, GA joined her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in a glorious eternity on February 5, 2024.   She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Rev. Glenn B. Rusher, Sr.

Born in Stanley County, NC, and raised in Oakboro, NC, she was the daughter of Burlie William and Mary Lois Lambert Barbee.  Sandy retired from Renfrow Industrial in Spartanburg.  Prior to that, she worked for Mahlo America and Clarkson Industrial.   As a faithful and supportive “pastor’s wife,” Sandy was an essential and powerful partner in ministry to her husband as he served two Baptist churches as pastor and five Baptist churches as interim pastor during a ministry of 40 years.  She supported and undergirded every sermon he preached, every deacon’s meeting he attended, every visit he made, and every funeral he conducted with her love, her faithfulness, and her prayers.  Sandy did not begin her married life as a pastor’s wife, but when Glenn entered the ministry, she accepted her new role, with its awesome sacrifices and responsibilities, whole-heartedly and gladly. She made those sacrifices and fulfilled those responsibilities by and with the grace of God.  She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Calhoun, GA.

After her husband retired from Bethany Baptist Church in Spartanburg, Sandy received a letter from a church member which included the following: “Sandy, …All during those wonderful 21 plus years, I feel sure you heard people compliment Glenn many times (and rightfully so) but I wonder how often we thought to tell you how important you were to us.  To me you were the perfect preacher’s wife…You were always there, willing to help in any way…always loving and kind.  You are beautiful outside and inside.  Thank you and Glenn for being our friends.”

Surviving in addition to her husband is one son, Michael Baxter Rusher of Easley, SC and wife Kim.   She is also survived by six grandchildren: Michael James Rusher of Canton, GA and wife Jenn, Joshua David Rusher of Acworth, GA and wife Kristen, Bethany Michelle Rusher Bramlett of Canton, GA and husband Justin, Reverend B. J. Vaughn of Central, SC and wife Lauren, Victoria Vaughn Chambers of TwentyNine Palms, CA and her U. S. Marine husband Colby, Kent Lee Vaughn serving in the U. S. Navy in Japan and wife Ruzanna; by four great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons; by one sister, Rita Diane Barbee of Woodstock, GA; by brother-in-law James Thomas Rusher of Boone, NC; by sister-in-law Wanda Whitley Barbee of LaGrange, GA; and by two nieces and four nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by son, Glenn B. Rusher, Jr. and by brothers, Michael Douglas Barbee and Tony William Barbee.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 17, at First Baptist Church, 190 Mayo Road, Mayo SC.  A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM at the church with Reverend Tommy Sparks officiating. 

Sandy’s family is deeply grateful to the nurses, CNA’s, social workers, volunteers, and chaplain of Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd for the expert and compassionate care they provided Sandy in her home for three months.  Gifts in memory of Sandy may be made to Floyd Healthcare Foundation, 400 Turner McCall Blvd., Suite 102, Rome, GA 30165.  Please designate the gift to support “Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd.”

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.harrisnadeaumortuary.com

Harris-Nadeau Mortuary

Chesnee, SC.