Shirley Rutland

Shirley Rutland died peacefully at home May 27, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with ALS.
She was born in Tylertown on Dec. 20, 1968, and was the youngest child of Tom and Esteen Lambert Rutland. She graduated from Topeka-Tilton Attendance Center and attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College before moving to Jackson to work. Her last (and most favorite) place of employment was as a clerk at the Lawrence County Justice Court, where she worked with the Honorable Judge Donnie Mullins and Pasty Bullock.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Bunn.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Isabella Armstrong and Kathleen Armstrong; and her two remaining siblings, Rachel Rutland, of Jayess; and Tommy Rutland (Gwendolyn), of Monticello. Shirley was the favorite aunt of Kacy Mckissick (Chris), Stacy Gibson (Jessie), Tyler Rutland, and Kayla McNatt.
Shirley was an active member of Providence Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school. Shirley was an amazing person, with a sense of humor that she kept until the end. Her greatest accomplishment and the joy of her life were her children, Kate and Bella.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers that nursed Shirley through her illness, particularly Sylvia Thornhill who stood by her from the beginning until the end. Shirley had many “minions,” but her favorite co-conspirator was Trisha Johnson. Trisha literally stood beside her bed many nights staring at Shirley and praying for her healing.
Shirley was especially blessed with her friend to the end and most dependable “minion,” Lori Roberts.
A special thanks goes to Rev. and Mrs. Scott Johnson for their loving care and to the Divide Methodist Protestant Church for their faithful delivery of meals.
The transition from this life to the next was greatly assisted by the incredible staff of Hospice Ministries and the never-ending patience of Dr. Brantley Pace.
A celebration for Shirley’s healing was held May 29 in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Providence Cemetery.
To honor Shirley, memorials may be made to Team Steve Gleason Foundation, P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184; or to The Refuge, 584 Woody Rd., Jayess MS 39641.