Mrs. Laquater Caraway Bussey (affectionately known as Dea) was one of 10 children born to the late Jessie and Maurine Thomas Caraway on July 17, 1931, in BoBo, Texas, where she received her formal education, and graduated from Timpson High School.  Accepting Christ at an early age, she was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church in BoBo, Texas.  On September 23, 1950, she married the late L.V. Bussey and they relocated to Dallas.  To this union 5 children were born (3 sons 2 daughters).

In 1962, the family moved to the Oak Cliff/Highland Hills neighborhood and united with Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. H.L. Harris.  In 1973, she along with he daughter, Rosalind, moved her membership to Bon Air Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Dr. L.E. Mitchell.  She remained an active member, and faithfully served in the following ministries: the Choir, Dr. Mitchell's recording secretary for numerous years; past President of the Mission, and in September of 2023, as the church celebrated its 72nd Anniversary, she was one of the recipients of "The Dr. James E. Mitchell Living Legends Awards" in recognition of her invaluable contributions to Bon Air.  Until the Lord called her home, she remained a faithful member and an equally faithful servant for 50 years.

Laquater was employed by Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1962-2010, where she began as a Nurse's Aide and later became a Surgical Pathology Tech until retirement.  She loved to travel, sew, cook, and read; and back in the day, she could really press some hair!  Whether in the church, or neighborhood, wherever she served, she did it faithfully and without complaint.  Aside from her work within the church, she also served the community and was a faithful servant memberof the Suburban Dallas/Desoto Section National Council of Negro Women, serving as the Section Historian, received the Golden Service Award in 2014 for exemplary service, and was recognized in the section as one of the Golden Girls.  Mrs. Laquater Bussey was proceeded in death by her husband, L.V. Bussey, parents, Maurine and Jessie Caraway, siblings Gwedolyn Montgomery, Charles Caraway, Don Caraway and Billy Caraway.

"Dea" leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memories: two daughters and three sons, along with their children: Gayle Barrett (Percy)-Catrina, Wanuka-Tyus, Chayce, Ayanna, Kyiah, Noah, Hayden; Dexter (Kay), Cobey (Kelly), C.J., Adarian, Kalli, Atiya (Tim) Sudden, Aidyn, Easton; Aamira Bellamy (Ron) Dallas, Jaxson;  Rosalind (Melicu)-Zekiah, Melicu III (Sheena)-Ayanna, Melicu IV; Malcom-Tory-Stella, Kanesha-Kenneth, Malcom Jr.-Malcom III, Arianna; Vincent (Theresa).  Five siblings; Vonceia, Wesley, Margaret, Margie, and Nell Roe.  Special acknowledgement to the following people: D'Andrea Lucus, her bible study partner, and the one she sat with on Sundays to share peppermints and exchange books.  Monica "Money" Sneed-Wilson, who ensured that she was warm with beautiful gold and white blankets.  Nell Roe, her baby sister who always stopped by to check on her.  He Mehalia Street Crew and church members, Mrs. Catherine Red Wilson and Sis. Dorothy Allen, who were always there for her, exhibiting a lifetime of true friendship and kindness.  Paula Martin, for always feeding her (greens and cornbread) and sitting with her whenever asked, no matter the time, day or hour.  Lastly, to her Bon Air Family and Pastor T.L., whom she loved dearly, we appreciate all of you for loving her in your own special ways.