Mother Louise Williams Rutledge, 82, a native and lifelong resident of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Palatka Health Care Center. The daughter of Pearl Williams, Sr. and Essie Mae (Lane) Williams, she was born on Wednesday, October 30, 1935. Louise was a 1953 graduate of Central Academy High School. Over the years, she served as a Teacher's Aide, Bus Attendant, Foster Care Parent, and Homemaker. The love she demonstrated to her children made her an extra special person. Mother Rutledge was a longtime, loyal member of Zion Temple Church of God in Christ. She faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities as the church's First Lady as her husband Elder William Rutledge, Sr., simultaneously served as Pastor. She was also active in numerous ministries over the years, including District Missionary and Church Mother. She was especially passionate about reading her bible and taking care of the needs of others.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by her siblings: Pearl, Nathaniel, Joseph, Matthew, Samuel, Charles, and Robert Lee Williams; Loretta Brunor; grandsons, Roderick and Quonteveous.

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughters and son, Daina (Willie) Williams, Tampa; William "Bill" (Gina) Rutledge, Naples; Shelia (Billy) Golden, Orange Park; grandchildren, Willie B, Jr., Joshua, William, Jr., Davin, Ishmael, Brianna, Britney, Sierra, Billy, III, Brandon, Shantarious, Ericka, Eric, Antonio, Alexus, Keanu, Julius; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Alexander, Ayden, Aliyah, Samuel, III, Nyla; special sister, Annette Green, Palatka; special niece, SGM (Retired) Michelle (Larry) Session; special nephews, Stephen (Mary) Williams, Samuel Williams; godchildren, Rev. Karl (Terricena) Flagg, Dea. Bobby (Juanita) Wilson, Dea. Elijah Lowery, Evangelist Lorraine "Punch" Baldwin, Sis. Tremayne Toombs Campbell, Pastor David Richardson, DeShawnda Alexander; adopted children, Lois Capers, Lakeland; Dr. LaVon Fenderson, Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, foster children, relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 30, at Zion Temple Church of God in Christ, 1601 Bronson Street, Palatka, Elder Antonio Ruth, Pastor, is the eulogist. Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor. Interment: Palatka Memorial Gardens.