Gene Kelly Bushong

Gene Kelly Medders Bushong, 94, wife of the late Don Allen Bushong and the late Clifton “Clif” Medders, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2022 at Commonwealth Senior Living on the Eastern Shore in Onancock, VA, her home for the last several years. Prior to moving to the Commonwealth, Gene was a resident of Parksley, VA, and formerly a longtime resident of Onley, VA where she moved to from St. Augustine, FL.

Gene was born September 8, 1928 on her maternal grandparents’ farm, The Parks Farm in Parksley, VA, to the late Guelda Elnora Parks Kelly and Dr. Charles A. Kelly, D.D.S. She attended Onley Grammar School, graduated from Onancock High School then continued at Farmville State Teachers’ College and Beacom Business College from where she attained an Associate Degree.

While in Florida, Gene managed the dining hall at Flagler College. After returning to the Shore with her first husband Clif, she was the first manager of the kitchen and dining room at Eastern Shore Yacht & Country Club, where Clif was the first General Manager. She enjoyed catering over the years, and after marrying her second husband Don, she helped him in the office of Overstreet Office Equipment that he owned and operated.

Gene was a loyal member of Onley United Methodist Church where she was a former Sunday School teacher, active in the United Methodist Women, and helped in the kitchen preparing for church gatherings. She was an active member of the Soroptimist Club of Accomack County, and greatly enjoyed attending social events with Don through the years.

In addition to her husbands and parents, Gene was predeceased by two loving children, Martha Ellen Medders and Clifton “Mark” Medders, whom she greatly missed; her brother, Charles L. Kelly; and others.  She is survived by two cousins, Bonnie Wescott and Mac Smith; Don’s family; dear friends for many years, Denna Ward, Jeffrey Johnson, Jean Steelman, and Lonnie Wharton who lovingly assisted Gene and Don and became part of their family; and additional extended family members.

A service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held at the Onley United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., with Mr. George Fulk and Mr. Richard “Dick” Jenkins officiating. Private interment will be held at the Parksley Cemetery officiated by The Reverend Robert Fletcher.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene’s memory may be made to the Onley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Onley, VA  23418.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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