Anna Jean Bustle, born on January 15, 1935, in Forsyth County, N.C., joined her Savior and Heavenly Father on September 24, 2025, in Iredell County at the age of 90. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and service, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Anna Jean and her beloved husband, Grady Lee Bustle, shared 52 beautiful years of marriage, during which they owned and operated Bustle Mobile Home Service and Supplies. Together, they built not just a business, but a community, characterized by dedication and hard work.
From an early age, Anna Jean embraced her role as a nurturer, beginning as a candy striper with dreams of becoming a nurse. Though life’s path took her in different directions, she never wavered in her commitment to caring for others. A charter member of Oakdale Baptist Church, Anna Jean served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and was actively involved in women’s and mission organizations, making a lasting impact on her church family.
Her leadership and compassion extended beyond the church walls. As a member of the ABWA Llederi Chapter, she held numerous leadership positions and was honored with the Woman of the Year Award. She was also a dedicated member of the Eastern Star in Statesville, N.C. Her passion for inclusivity led her to help establish the Iredell County chapter of the Happy Wheelers club for individuals with disabilities and advocate for handicapped-accessible classrooms in Iredell County.
Anna Jean found purpose in volunteering as well as providing Chaplain services at Davis Regional Medical Center. She also shared the Good News with children at East Iredell Elementary’s Good News Club.
Anna Jean’s vibrant spirit was evident as a member of the Red Hat Society. She also found joy in many pursuits, including league bowling, motorcycle riding with her husband and friends, and frequent trips to the beach and mountains. She also loved tending to her little flower garden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Lee Bustle; her parents, Roy Walter Nichols and Minnie Robertson Nichols; and siblings, Ed Nichols, Calvin Nichols, Roger Nichols, and Kenneth Nichols.
Anna Jean leaves behind a loving family. Her surviving family includes her children, Danny Bustle (Lynn), Lynn Phelps (Tony), and Donna Grant; grandchildren, Justin Bustle (Amanda), Brett Phelps, and Jeana Phelps; great-grandchildren, Sawyer Bustle, Owen Bustle, Logan Phelps-Benfield, Nolan Phelps, and Sophia Safley; siblings Charles Nichols and Diane Brinkley; sister-in-law Betty Nichols; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Anna Jean’s remarkable life at Oakdale Baptist Church, Statesville. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm, with a funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Burial will take place at Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery in Hiddenite, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/anna-jean-bustle/14415/ or Oakdale Baptist Church, Statesville, N.C. at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/anna-jean-bustle/14416/.
Anna Jean Bustle’s life was a beacon of light, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the loving and compassionate care Mrs. Bustle received while at Iredell Memorial Hospital and to Dr. Knight and the staff with Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County.
Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bustle family.