Statements About and Funeral Information For Barbara Bush

Statement from President George H W Bush:

Former President George H.W. Bush, who held his wife’s hand all day Tuesday before she died, released his first statement following Barbara Bush’s death through his spokesman Wednesday.

“I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world, and in fact I used to tease her that I had a complex about that fact,” Bush said in the statement. “But the truth is the outpouring of love and friendship being directed at The Enforcer is lifting us all up. We have faith she is in heaven, and we know life will go on — as she would have it. So cross the Bushes off your worry list.”

Statement from President George W. Bush

My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.

Statement from Jeb Bush

“I’m exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush.”

White House Statement on Barbara Bush

Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away yesterday in Houston, Texas. She was 92. Along with Abigail Adams, Mrs. Bush is one of only two First Ladies in American history to see a child follow her husband to the U.S. Presidency.

The White House released this statement last night:

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. The President and First Lady’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Bush.

The U.S. flag will fly at half-staff until sunset of the day that Mrs. Bush is laid to rest.

Karen and I send our deepest sympathies to President Bush and the entire Bush family with the passing of Barbara Bush. Barbara Bush was a woman of unique strength and grace whose devotion to her family was an inspiration to every American. Mrs. Bush’s example in public life and her encouragement made a lasting impact on our family, as it did on the families of millions of Americans, and she will be missed. We offer our deepest condolences to the entire Bush family during this difficult time and we will be praying for all who mourn the passing of this good and great woman. God bless Barbara Bush.

Our hearts are with the Bush family as we celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Barbara Bush.  Throughout her life, she put family and country above all else.  Her dedicated service to the American people was matched only by her compassion and love of family.  She was a woman of strength and we will always remember her for her most important roles of wife, mother, and First Lady of the United States.  My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Bush family as we honor her legacy.

Funeral and Celebration of Life Information

Thursday, April 19th – Celebration of Mrs. Bush’s Life

Mayor Turner and the City of Houston are planning a celebration of Mrs. Bush life Thursday evening at City Hall. Details will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday). Please check with the Mayor’s press office for more details.

Friday, April 20th – Lying in Repose

All members of the general public wishing to pay their respects to Mrs. Bush may do so this Friday, April 20th, as she lay in repose between noon and midnight at St. Martin’s Church at 717 Sage Road in Houston. Important: everyone must first go to the Second Baptist Church campus at 6400 Woodway Drive to park and go through security. Please enter the parking lots using Voss Road. Metro is providing shuttles to transport citizens, including those with disabilities, to and from St. Martin’s. The parking lot at Second Baptist will open at 10am, and shuttles will start running at 11:30am.

Please note:

  • You may not drive or walk up to St. Martin’s Church. 
  • Large, over-sized purses and bags are not permitted.
  •  Out of respect for Mrs. Bush and her family, please turn off all cellular devices and refrain from taking photos. 

Saturday, April 21st – Funeral Service

The funeral service for Mrs. Bush is by invitation only. All invited guests must first go to the Second Baptist Church campus at 6400 Woodway Drive to park and go through security. Please enter parking lot using Voss Road. The parking lot at Second Baptist will open at 8am on Saturday, and shuttles start running at 8:30am. Metro is providing shuttles to transport citizens, including those with disabilities, to and from St. Martin’s.

Please note:

  • You may not drive or walk up to St. Martin’s Church. 
  • Large, over-sized purses and bags are not permitted.
  • Out of respect for Mrs. Bush and her family, please turn off all cellular devices and refrain from taking photos. 

 

Following the funeral service, the Bush family will depart via motorcade through Memorial Park en route to the Bush Library in College Station.