Euvanda Rust

Mae Euvanda Rust joined her Savior in Glory on December 26, 2024, surrounded by her family and her Pastor. Euvanda was endearingly referred to as "Donda" by the hundreds of children she cared for throughout her life and known lovingly as "Don-Don" to her family, especially by her nephews. She was born on February 17, 1945, in Paragould, AR, to Titus James Bryson and Pearley Mae Bryson McClain.

She married Haroldean Rust in May of 1968 at the Paragould Church of God officiated by Rev. James E. Cossey. Although they did not have children of their own, Euvanda and Haroldean found fulfillment in caring for their nephew: Shane Cleveland, and their five nieces: Carrie, Kelly, Shelly, Ashley, and Amber, every chance they could get. Euvanda was the "cool" Aunt who enjoyed introducing her loved ones to a variety of things including Deer Run Amusement Park, the Ranch House restaurant, Osie's, Three's Company, Private Benjamin, and Trivial Pursuit, and the famous Dairy Queen baby burger. She had an affinity for knick-knacks and what-nots, making sure that each one was displayed perfectly in between framed pictures of her loved ones. She babysat in her home, and she also retired from the School of the 21st Century. For years she worked at the First Baptist Church and Church of God nurseries.

Her adventurous spirit led her to travel at every opportunity. Her destination of choice was Branson, MO, her latest trek to the live music capital of the world occurring just weeks ago. She often traveled with the Paragould Senior Bees and Westview Baptist Church. She was a faithful member of the Paragould Church of God where she worshiped her Lord through song on the praise team. On Tuesday mornings, Euvanda and her friends could be found singing gospel songs gathered around the piano in her apartment followed by lunch at the Senior Bees Center. She was also no stranger to a karaoke machine. She loved to scrapbook, attend social gatherings at church, and play board games with her friends.

Euvanda's sense of humor and genuine love for people allowed her heart to have room for so many friends. She was a giver, often buying small tokens to give to family and friends "just because". She was almost always smiling, and her hugs were given generously. Euvanda is already dearly missed.

Euvanda is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Estel McClain, her brother Robert Lee Bryson, sister-in-law Josephine Morgan, brother-in-law Grady Cooper, and her beloved Haroldean. She is survived by her sisters, Linda Cleveland and Kaye Cooper; sister-in-law Pauline Hendrix, nephews Shane (Shelly) Cleveland and Bob Bryson; nieces Carrie (Dewitt) Fortune, Kelly Cooper Stewart, Shelly Cooper Wilkins, Ashley (Brandon) Mason, and Amber (Adam) Ellis; and great-nephews Tyler (Lisa Marie) Cleveland, Harrison Cleveland, Bricen Wilkins, and Dewitt "Tripp" Fortune, and her great-great niece Raylynn. She had two bonus daughters: Brandie Lieblong and Lisa Shinault, and a host of friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit and pay their respects to Mae Euvanda Rust at Heath Funeral Home. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 29, beginning at 2:00 PM. Her funeral service will commence at 3:00 PM, preceding her burial at Shiloh Cemetery in Paragould. Bro. Gary Smith will be officiating.