Velma Jeanne Reynold Rutledge

Velma Jeanne Reynolds Rutledge, 96, of Smackover, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. Born on Oct. 26, 1920, in Camden, Ark., she was the daughter and only child of John William Reynolds and Leona McAnulty Reynolds. She graduated from Smackover High School and Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas with a degree in business administration. It was at First Methodist Church of Dallas in Sunday school that she met the love of her life, N. T. Rutledge. The couple married in 1942 and moved to Smackover in 1944 to join the family business in running the mills of J. W. Reynolds Lumber Company. From there the Rutledge group of companies soon began. Jeanne was the first to teach business classes at Smackover Public Schools. She was a wonderful homemaker beyond compare and was very active in the First United Methodist Church of Smackover, serving her church in many capacities throughout the years. She was an active participant with N T in local, State and National Home Builders Association and the Independent Petroleum Association of America. Jeanne prided herself in decorating numerous bank buildings throughout central and north Arkansas with lovely pictures. During their 63 years of marriage, Jeanne and N T were true partners in life, family and business. They also loved to travel. Jeanne was N T's #1 co-pilot both on the ground and in the air, and a truly remarkable, "with it", and beautiful lady. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, N T Rutledge. She is survived by a son, John Reynolds "Reynie" Rutledge (Ann) of Searcy and a daughter, Joyce Elaine Rutledge of Smackover; three grandsons, John R. Rutledge (Melissa) and Nathan T. Rutledge (Jordan) of Little Rock, and Adam M. Rutledge (Bethany) of Fayetteville; and by seven great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express their heart-felt gratitude for the wonderful care and love that Jeanne received from her special caregivers, Rhonda Thompson, Rosemary Reynolds, Samantha Howe, Le'Terron Daniels and LaDonna Jones. Memorials/Donations may be made to the Smackover First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 500 W. 7th Street, Smackover, Ark. 71762, or to the organization of one's choice. Visitation will precede the service from 12:45-1:45 p.m. with the funeral at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, all at First United Methodist Church-Smackover with Rev. Leon Dixon officiating and under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Graveside to follow at Smackover Cemetery. Online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.