Mary Rutledge Obituary

Mary Emma Rutledge

March 4, 1937 -

November 2, 2025

MOUNT CARMEL - Mary Emma Rutledge, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Preston Place Suites in Kingsport, TN.

Emma was born at home in Washington Co. TN on March 4, 1937, to her parents, the late John Burl, and Sallie Julia (Arterburn) Pickens. She and her late husband Paul were founding members of New Fellowship Ministries Baptist Church. Mary Emma was a beloved Kindergarten teacher at Oak Grove Baptist Church. She worked at the Kingsport Press for several years and worked at Franklin Printing in Kingsport until the business closed. She also volunteered at the Community Clothes Closet in Church Hill and at the Steak Dinner Fundraisers at Clay Lodge for many years. Mary Emma loved to serve others and was always taking care of everyone else.

Mary Emma was a 50+ year member of Fairview #80; Order of the Eastern Star She was a faithful member to the chapter until her health failed. She and her husband Paul served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron several times. She was a Grand Committee member, a Grand Instructor, and Grand Representative to Quebec in 1983 to 1986. In 2012 Mary Emma was appointed as Grand Esther for the State of Tennessee, OES.

In addition to her parents, Mary Emma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Paul Rutledge; and her siblings, Sam Pickens, and Linda Lou Lawson.

Mary Emma is survived by her one daughter; Robin Wininger and son-in-law COL (R)Wally; one son; Curtis Rutledge and daughter-in-law Elvira Rutledge; six grandchildren, Emira Wininger and husband MAJ Jesse Edwards stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, Emily Wininger of Scottsdale, AZ, Regan and husband Nathan Brooks of Shawnee KS, Jeremy Gonzalez, Pablo Rutledge and Isabella Rutledge of Kingsport. One great granddaughter, Marin Edwards; Four great grandsons, Lincoln Brooks, Everett Edwards, Bennett Brooks, and Archer Brooks;nieces, Julia Culbertson and Tamara Hicks; great nieces, Lydia and Miriam; and great nephews, Dakota, and Deagan.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow the visitation with Pastor Daniel Phillips officiating. An Eastern Star Memorial Service will be in conjunction with the service.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the outstanding and caring staff at Preston Place. A special thank you to Carolyn Light who has always been more like a sister than sister-in-law to Mary Emma.

A family graveside service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Serving as pallbearers will be Curtis Rutledge, Wally Wininger, Jeremy Gonzalez, Pablo Rutledge, Steve Ballman, and Randy Sams. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Sams, Roger Sams, Jon Light, and Jay Light.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organization/charity of your choice in Mary Emma's name.

Mary Emma lived her life by the motto J.O.Y. – Jesus First. Others Second. Yourself Last. Please honor her memory by considering using this motto in your daily life and going forward.

To leave an online message for the Rutledge family, please visit us at www.johnsonarrowood.com.

Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home of Church Hill is Honored to serve the Rutledge family.