Mrs. Miranda Bussey

Miranda Evette Bussey's life journey began in the quaint town of McGehee, Arkansas, she was born on August 25, 1976, to Karen Harris and Ervin Beverley. Under the nurturing care of her grandparents, Walter Harris and Betty "Mame" Rhodes, particularly her grandfather, Miranda's deep love for Christ flourished during her formative years. Her faith took root at St. Peters A.M.E. Church, where she embraced the teachings of Jesus Christ and was baptized. Her faith became the foundation and cornerstone of her life. Miranda relocated to Fort Worth, Texas with her mother, where she attended Meadowbrook Middle School and North Side High School. Following graduation, Miranda enrolled at Prairie View A&M University and pursued her passion for biology. Miranda’s time at Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View) marked the beginning of her enduring love for the sport of track and field. As an active participant in the university's track and field program, she discovered a passion for athleticism and competition that remained with her throughout her life. It was also, at Prairie View that the spark for Kevin, the love of her life, was ignited. Their serendipitous meeting on campus blossomed into a deep and enduring love, forging a bond that would withstand the tests of time. Miranda proudly graduated from Prairie View with a bachelor’s degree in science in May 1998, a testament to her dedication and academic prowess. She was employed as the textbook manager at Prairie View. On September 18, 1999, Miranda and Kevin exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony on campus, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together. Their union was blessed with the arrival of two remarkable children, Josalyn and Kevin II, who have brought immeasurable joy and happiness into their lives. During her time at Prairie View, Miranda’s spiritual journey was deepened as an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she found community and strength in her faith. After graduating, her family relocated to Houston and became members of The Church Without Walls (TCWW) under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Douglas West, where she continued to faithfully serve the body of Christ. At TCWW, Miranda dedicated her time and energy to various ministries. She was the coordinator of TCWW’s Mission’s Ministry where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of many individuals locally and abroad. She also participated in several missions’ initiatives with organizations such as PrayTube, Inc. and Lanterns for Light, Inc. Her mission field included her local community, Kenya and Jamaica. PrayTube, Inc. describes Miranda as the ultimate servant leader and the MVP of their Kenyan ministry. Her steadfast faith and selfless acts of kindness left an indelible mark on all she encountered. For many years, Miranda also served as the coordinator of KWOW (Kids Without Walls) where her passion for nurturing young hearts and minds shone brightly. Miranda’s dedication to service and mentorship was exemplified as an educator and an athletic coach at Cypress Ridge High School for seventeen years. She taught chemistry and forensic science and coached the track and field and cross-country teams. Miranda was the coach who always challenged her athletes and encouraged them to push beyond their perceived limits. She was undoubtedly straightforward and transparent with her students. Coach Bussey was known for willingly giving her time to drive the bus to transport other athletic teams to their games, work the tables at events and provide support to other teams and coaches. Over the past decade, she led cross-country and track and field athletes, as the head coach, to regional track meets every year. Coach Bussey also coached a state champion. Under the Cypress Ridge athletic program, Miranda founded DIVA (Determined, Inspirational, Virtuous and Authentic), a mentor program for female athletes to prepare them for life beyond athletics. Coach Bussey was a pillar at Cypress Ridge and her involvement in track and field expanded across many programs. Her generosity was infectious, and her positivity radiated throughout the hallways and was felt by those who interacted with her. Her laugh (we all know that laugh) was contagious. Her legacy will live within the science department and track and cross-country programs at Cypress Ridge forever. Miranda's dedication to service and sisterhood was evident through her involvement with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Miranda was initiated into the Omega Gamma chapter in the Spring of 1998 at Prairie View, and she embraced the values of scholarship, sisterhood, service and finer womanhood. Miranda faithfully served the Lambda Zeta Chapter in Houston, Texas, with unwavering commitment and passion. Her leadership in various positions and committees positively impacted the sorority and community, including her tenure as the chapter's Grammateus from 2019 to 2023. As the current International Women of Color Coordinator, Miranda showcased her innovative spirit and dedication to promoting cultural awareness and unity. Her recent accomplishment in organizing Lambda Zeta’s inaugural African Fashion Show, in collaboration with the Finer Womanhood Committee, exemplified her vision and dedication to celebrating diversity and empowerment within the community. Miranda's calm demeanor, selfless spirit, and willingness to serve is deeply appreciated by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of leadership, kindness, and sisterhood will continue to inspire and uplift us all. She will be dearly missed, but her impact will be felt forever. Miranda was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Walter Harris and Clover Mae Wade, and paternal grandparents, Betty Rhodes and Lester Rhodes Sr. Miranda’s legacy will be lived through her devoted husband, Kevin, daughter Josalyn, son Kevin II. mother Karen Harris, father Ervin Beverley, stepfather Clyde Downs, sisters Latracia Reed (Eric), Amber Richter (Great Bend, KS) and Jackie Winters (Olathe, KS), brother John Palmgren (Great Ben, KS) and a host of family and friends.

Mrs. Miranda Bussey

August 25, 1976 - March 31, 2024