Emogene Bruner Rushing, 95, of Register, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Born in Candler County in 1931 to Grover W. and Ora Lee Bruner, Emogene grew up on the family farm in Excelsior, Georgia. In 1948, she began her career in Savannah as a switchboard operator with Bell Telephone Company, where she worked for many years.
She married James H. “Pete” Rushing in 1951, and Register became the enduring center of their family life. From 1981 to 1994, she worked alongside her husband at Rushing Insurance.
A devoted member of Register Baptist Church and the Register Bridge Club, Emogene was affectionately known by some as the “Queen of Register.” Her gracious hospitality and gift for friendship made her home a welcoming gathering place. She took pleasure in a beautifully set table, flowers from her garden, a game of bridge and the simple joy of visiting with others. An accomplished cook and homemaker, she brought care and skill to sewing, canning, needlework and flower arranging.
During her six years at The Lodge at Bethany, Emogene carried that same spirit of welcome into a new community. She made a special effort to greet new residents, help them feel at home and offer her friendship. Wherever she lived, she found ways to bring people together.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. “Pete” Rushing; her parents, and her siblings, William Bruner, Dean Bruner, Hubert Bruner, Herbert Bruner and Mildred Bragg.
She is survived by her three children, James H. “Jim” Rushing (Patricia), Jeanie Gay (Curtis) and Joel Rushing (Tammy); her grandchildren, Amy Swindell (Phil), James H. “Jamie” Rushing, Kelli Gillis (David), Emily Cain, Macy Sands (Walt) and Alisha Edenfield (Blake); 10 great-grandchildren, her brother, Clyde Bruner (Ginny); her brother-in-law, Robert Rushing; her sisters-in-law, Hazel Bruner, Jeanette Rushing, Norma Brown (Tom); and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5–7 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Joe Eason and the Rev. Donnie Roberts officiating. Interment will be at Lower Lotts Creek Church Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Freddie Rushing, Timmy Rushing, Addison Bragg, Calvin Bragg, Chris Bruner, Keith Bruner, Bobby Bruner and Richard Brown.
Those wishing to honor Emogene’s memory may contribute to Register Baptist Church, P.O. Box 47, Register, GA 30452; or Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, November 10, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.