Funeral services for JoLane Jumper Rutledge will be Monday, May 14, 2018, 12:30 p.m. at the Salem Methodist Church in Etta, Mississippi, with a visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

JoLane was born March 4, 1932 in Sherman, Mississippi and passed away at age 86, three weeks after the death of her husband of 62 years.

Born in the Great Depression years as the only child of Morris and Laney Jumper, JoLane grew up on the family farm in North Mississippi. She tended both crops and farm animals while helping run her parents’ general store in Etta. Tending animals was not all work, however, as JoLane had many pets including dogs, horses, rabbits, chickens, squirrels and even a pet pig.

Through her grandfather, a Methodist minister, her summers were occupied at the Methodist youth camp, Camp Lake Stephens, as both camper and counselor.

JoLane married her high school sweetheart, Robert Earl Rutledge, on Christmas Eve 1955 while he was on holiday from military service. The newlyweds lived with a German family in Friedberg, Germany for two years, spending military leave exploring Europe.

JoLane Jumper Rutledge was a life-long teacher. She was an elementary school teacher for 32 years. She graduated from Pinedale High School in 1950. She attended Wood Junior College, graduating in 1952.

JoLane continued her education at the University of Mississippi, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1954 and completing her Master of Science degree in 1961. She taught in Flora, Ashland, Hickory Flat and over 20 years in Oxford.

Mrs. Rutledge was a decades-long member of the teaching honorary Delta Kappa Gamma, serving as chapter president for a number of years. She was also active in the Woman’s Forum. After retirement, Mrs. Rutledge pursued her enthusiasm for teaching as a substitute teacher.

JoLane Jumper Rutledge is survived by her daughter, Sherry Rutledge Gwin and her husband Michael of Jackson, Mississippi; and grandchildren, Katherine Lane Gwin, Clare O’Mara Gwin and Ellen Elizabeth Gwin.

The Rev. Daniel Darling will officiate at the services.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, Mississippi for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Salem Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 1521 State Hwy., Etta, MS 38627; or Oxford – University United Methodist Church, Oxford, MS 38655.