Women of Color Luncheon Set for April 24

The Fairmont State Women of Color Luncheon on Tuesday, April 24, will honor an outstanding Fairmont community member Judy Grant Lampkin Bussey.

The event, sponsored by the Fairmont State Office of Student Affairs, will take place at noon in the Falcon Center Third Floor Conference Rooms. Those attending are asked to RSVP by Friday, April 13, by calling (304) 367-4215. The cost for attending is $10.

"The Women of Color Luncheon is an opportunity to honor women who have shown a commitment to treating everyone equally, regardless of color," said Persis Bates, Director of Multicultural Affairs. "Their passion for the uplifting of their community is also recognized. Women from the campus of Fairmont State are also recognized for their celebration of diversity."

Judy Grant Lampkin Bussey was born in Fairmont on March 26, 1951, to the late Margaret Nelson Lampkin and Jesse Grant Lampkin. She attended school in Marion County and graduated from Fairmont Senior High School. She is the Chairwoman of the FSHS Class of 1969 Reunion Committee. Her aunt, Theresa Nelson took her to Trinity United Methodist Church in Fairmont, and she was a member there until she relocated to the Washington, D.C., area. After high school, she attended West Virginia University and the University of D.C. She is a graduate of Fairmont State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 1971, she married De'Andrea Bussey, and they have one son, De'Andrea Grant Bussey.

Over a 20-year period, Bussey was employed by several cosmetic companies and was a traveling make-up artist for Estee Lauder Cosmetics. She worked for Faded Glory Jean Company and other clothing companies as a regional salesperson.

After the death of her father in 1978, she and her husband relocated to Fairmont where they assisted her mother with the direction of the JG Lampkin Funeral Home. Bussey became involved in politics and became a member of the Democrat Women's Club. She also became active in Trinity United Methodist Church.

In 2000, she felt she was led to the Morning Star Baptist Church where she was baptized. Since then, she has served as Vice President of the Senior Usher Board; introduced and organized welcome packets for church visitors; and is a member of the choir, Umojah Voices of Joy, the Beautification Auxiliary, Chairwoman of the Women of Purpose Ministry and Deaconess.

Bussey is the co-owner of the JG Lampkin Funeral Home, which her father founded. She has one grandson, Dorian Grant Bussey. She enjoys traveling, boating and being involved in her church.