Shirley Rutland died peacefully at home, May 27, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with ALS.

She was born in Tylertown, MS, on December 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.

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. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Mary Bunn.

Shirley was an active member and 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 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.

The family will receive visitors Friday, May 28, from 6-9 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home. A celebration for Shirley’s healing will be Saturday May 29, at 10:00 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow 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 Road, Jayess, MS 39641.