Betty Jo Rutherford

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty Jo Rutherford, a woman whose love, strength, and selflessness shaped the lives of so many. She was more than a mother, nana, sister, aunt, or friend — she was the heart of our family, the one everyone could depend on, and the kind of woman whose presence made life feel a little safer and a little warmer. Betty was a fiercely independent woman who dedicated many years of her life to working for FedEx. She carried herself with determination, resilience, and pride, never afraid of hard work and always willing to do whatever it took to provide for and care for the people she loved. Her strength was unmatched, and she inspired everyone around her through the way she faced life with courage and grace. Her greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was always her family. She loved her daughters with every piece of her heart and devoted her life to supporting, encouraging, and protecting them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. Nothing brought her more happiness than hearing their laughter, sharing stories, giving advice, or simply sitting surrounded by the people she loved most. To them, she was not only Nana — she was home. She had a love that was steady and unconditional. She celebrated every success, carried her family through difficult times, and reminded those around her that no matter what life brought, family always came first. Her hugs brought comfort, her words brought wisdom, and her presence brought peace. The memories made around her — the conversations, the laughter, the traditions, and the love — will forever be cherished and carried on through the generations she leaves behind. Betty will always be adored and deeply missed more than words can ever express. Though our hearts are broken by this loss, we find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and that her love will continue to guide us every single day. The strength she gave us, the lessons she taught us, and the love she poured into all of our lives will never fade. She was truly one of a kind — a beautiful soul, and a woman whose legacy will live on forever. Though she may no longer walk beside us, she will always remain within our hearts. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lucille (Pruett) Cornelius; husband, Larry Rutherford; brother, Wayne Morris; and son-in-law, Jay Kemp. Betty is survived by her daughters, Susan Kemp and Terri Frey (Mike); siblings, John Morris, Bonnie Johnson (Jim), and Glenn Cornelius (Bridget); grandchildren, Chalet Kemp (Craig Kamyszek), Joshua Kemp (Simone), Marco Andrade (Stefanie), Cody Kemp (Alexandra), Zachary Andrade (Heather); 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch from 11:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Memphis Memorial Gardens in Bartlett, TN. Online condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.colemanfuenralhomeob.com.

Betty Jo Rutherford

December 22, 1943 - May 14, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services