Born July 9, 1940, the only child of the late Anna Short Wacaster and George Olen Wacaster, she graduated from Hickory High School in 1958 and then Presbyterian School of Nursing in Charlotte, NC.
Upon graduation, she would spend the rest of her life in the selfless service of others; as a nurse at Richard Baker Hospital, now Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC, a devoted wife of 26 years to Jack B. Busic Sr. until his death in 1991, a mother and forever example of Christian love to Jack B. Busic Jr. of Clemmons, NC and Stephen M. Busic, of Hickory, NC, a mother in law to Nancy and Shannon who became like daughters to her, a lifelong care giver and devoted daughter to her mother, a hospice nurse who would work so many late nights bringing comfort to countless grieving families, a published author who wrote of the faith journey that Jack Sr. and she took in his final year so her children and others could see what God can do if you let him lead and a beloved grand-mommy to Lauren, Caroline, Ben, Jay and Jackson Busic who were all her reasons during her 8-year battle as a survivor and each a constant source of pride and joy.
In 2001 she was reunited with and then married her high school sweetheart and first love, James Cox and for the past 15 years they devotedly loved, laughed and shared together. Dea embraced and cherished her new extended family; Lynn Powell (Phil), Cris Howard (David) both of Lexington, SC, and Suzie Wilson (Chris) of Moncks Corner, SC and their children Justin, Lauren, Andy, Nicholas, Christopher, Zack, Jess, Waites, Sofia, and her step great grandchild Lillie Reese.
Dea was blessed with the gift of many faithful friends with whom she played Bridge each month for over 40-years, along with quilting circles and church groups. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hickory, NC where she volunteered, as always, behind the scenes. The countless cards and letters she mailed out each week lifted the spirits of family and friends over the decades. The comforting meals delivered with an infectious smile and Christian-warmth were the essence of her life and legacy.
Her near 50-year membership at Catawba Country Club provided her with rich memories and recently became and a place of serenity with her "walking buddies.” They kept her motivated as she was determined to get a little stronger each day for the battles ahead. Her cousin Jean Bolton, with whom she shared a life-long unbreakable bond, was a tremendous source of strength.
In Galatians 5:22 the Apostle Paul declares - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. As Dea is home today surely hearing these words from her creator "well done my good and faithful servant.”
The family would sincerely like to thank those that provided unsurpassed care and compassion over these last years. Too many to mention but they were so important to keeping her warrior spirit intact and moving forward.
The Reverends Paul Christy, Will Posey and Earlynne Bartley will officiate her celebration of life service on Wednesday, November 30th at 1:00pm at First United Methodist Church, 311 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC with burial to immediately follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stan Bolton, Jeff Osborne, Nelson Price, Joshua Schmidt, Stephen Schmidt and Mickey Story.
Prior to the service the family will receive friends at the Church from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
The family requests that donations of your service or gifts in memory of Dea can be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
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