Freddie Sprouse Rutherford

Freddie Lois (Sprouse) Rutherford passed from this earth to glory in the early morning hours of January 29, 2021. She was born April 21, 1926, near Pope, MS, the fourth of ten children born to John William and Adeline (Gross) Sprouse. She was married to John Marshall Rutherford for forty five years until his death in 1990. Freddie is survived by two sisters, (Virginia Katherine Gates of Watumpka, AL and Betty Mae Robertson of Rochester, NY); and two sisters-in-law (but sisters just the same -Geneva Sprouse and Connie Sprouse); four children (Bill, Bob, Ann, and George); one daughter-in-law, (Carolyn); one son-in-law, (Joel); five grandchildren (Amanda, Elizabeth, Vanessa, Thomas, and Lily); and seven great-grandchildren (Angela, Caitlyn, Cody, Hunter, Shade, Amber, and Evelynne).

Freddie worked for a while in the upholstery shop she and Marshall owned, then for a short time at Rice-Stix (a textile manufacturing plant in Water Valley), before finding her true calling as a talented and much loved mother and homemaker. She loved to sew quilts and clothes for family and friends, and her gardening skills filled many freezers in the community. Freddie was a faithful member of Sylva Rena Baptist Church. She truly loved her family, and, having a heart as big as all outdoors, she was always willing to draw others into that family circle. Her brand of equality was absolute – if you got close enough to that circle of love, you were invited in, which is why her extended family includes family from India, a black policeman, just about every kid her children grew up with, a fellow who raised snakes, and a few carefully selected yankees.

Toward the end of her life, a broken hip hampered her mobility, and dementia stole away the clear view of the world around her. Then God in His Mercy called her away to her forever home, and I can almost hear her clear soprano voice singing His praises now.

Visitation is planned for Monday February 1, 2021, in the Sanctuary of Sylva Rena Baptist Church from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Services will follow at 2:00 PM in the with Bro. Shane Crawford officiating. Burial will be in Sylva Rena Cemetery.