Pastor Joe C. Rush, Jr.

Pastor Joe Cephus Rush Jr., born on February 27, 1936, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Joe Cephus and Alice Rush, peacefully departed this earthly life on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 12:51 a.m.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Pastor Rush accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He was baptized at Mt. Alban Church, under the spiritual leadership of Rev. A.B. Brown. His dedication to his church community was evident early on, and in 1954, he was crowned a deacon. It was also at Mt. Alban that his extraordinary musical gifts first shone. He sang in the church choir and performed with a gospel quartet named The United Juniors of Vicksburg, Mississippi. When audiences and peers heard his overpowering, resonant voice, he was quickly inducted into the wider quartet world, beginning a lifelong journey of musical ministry.

In the 1960s, he relocated to Aurora, Illinois, where he planted new roots and joined the New Baptist M. B. Church under the guidance of Rev. C. Lemon. Joe was a dedicated provider and a respected leader in his workplace. He spent 17 years working for Sears, Roebucks and Co. at the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, serving as a foreman in the automotive department. Even after his move to Illinois, his passion for music never wavered. For many years, he shared his immense talent by singing and playing the guitar with the Masonic AllStars.

In 1993, while attending a union quartet meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Joe’s life was beautifully enriched when he met the love of his life, Linda White-Rush. Their shared journey eventually brought him to Michigan. By 1994, he was proudly lending his voice to the Inspirational Gospel Singers of Lansing, Michigan. After officially relocating to Lansing, he continued his steadfast servitude to the Lord, serving faithfully in the capacity of Deacon at Zion Hill.

His spiritual journey continued as he transitioned to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. There, he became an ordained minister under the leadership of Pastor Clemmie Mack Hughes, sparking a deep and enduring friendship between the two men. Under Pastor Hughes, Joe joined and became the President of The Pastors’ Alliance of Michigan, later serving as the Treasurer until his health limited his role, though he remained a dedicated member. Ultimately, his divine calling led him to shepherd his own flock, and he proudly and faithfully served as the Pastor of New Faith Missionary Baptist Church for 17 years.

Pastor Rush will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his powerful voice, his dedication to his family, and the love he shared with his congregation and community.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Linda White-Rush; sister, Geneva Rush-Savage of Aurora, IL; his children, Anthony Walker, JoAnn Rush, Paula (Charles) Railes, Angela Rush, Carla (Ike) Wells, Kevin (Fannie) Rush, Chinester (Nelson) Larkin, Cephus (Michelle) Brown, Keith BoClair, Tasha BoClair, John (Amy) White Jr., Archie White, Shawndale White, Kyonna Jenkins, Keontae Rush, and Shanierion Rush; as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Joe Cephus and Alice Rush; and his children, Geneva Raven Rush and Malcom Rush.

Psalm 23 (KJV) 1 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.