Obituary of Nettie A Bussey-Berrian

Nettie Ann Bussey (Bussie) Berrian, aged 77, of Camden, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Born on September 15, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Julia Mumford Bussie and Ollie Bussie Sr. Nettie was proud of her Gullah Geechee heritage. She was a cherished wife to the late Leonard Walker Berrian and a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, foster mother, sister, and aunt. Nettie began her education at Haven Home School in Savannah. In 1958, she relocated to New Jersey, where she attended Pyne Poynt Middle School and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. She pursued further education at a trade school, becoming a licensed cosmetologist. Nettie worked as a parts specialist at Garlock, Inc. and later retired from Bancroft Neurohealth, eventually returning to Savannah for her retirement. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Camden and Mount Herman Baptist Church in Savannah. Known for her strong faith, Nettie was a dedicated prayer warrior. She loved spending time with her family, hosting card games, and visiting casinos and racetracks. Nettie took many children, both her own and those from the community, to Savannah to explore its history and create lasting memories. She also fostered numerous children in New Jersey, welcoming all into her home. The last Bible verse she remembered was “Wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14. Nettie was a dedicated mother to Donna and Pamela Cosby, as well as to her two stepdaughters, Ronnie Berrian Montgomery (David) and Cheryl Chandler (Carl). She is survived by seven siblings: Ollie “Big June” Bussie, Betty Mims, Lloyd Bussey, Nathaniel Bussie (Beverly), Arthur Bussie (Lorraine), Orlena Bussie, and Joyce Bussie. Nettie was a cherished grandmother to LaTashia Israel (Kenyatta), Nathaniel Cosby, Kandisc Collins, and Diamond Black (Rodney). Additionally, she leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Jaylah May Israel, Biseer Cosby, Josiah Israel, and Kaiden Black, as well as her godson Gerald “G-Man” Gregory, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Ollie “Junie” Bussie and Curtis Bussey. In addition to her family, Nettie had a wide circle of friends and loved ones who will deeply miss her, including her closest friends Christine Jones, Cheryl Johnson, Sharon Middleton, and Sidney Howell. Her legacy endures through the joyful memories she fostered and the many lives she influenced.