Elizabeth C Rutherford

Elizabeth Counts Rutherford was born on July 14, 1938 in Newberry County to the late John Counts Sr. and Mrs. Agnes Suber Counts.  She entered into eternal rest on Monday October 12, 2020 at her home.

She grew up in Pomaria, SC and graduated from Gallman High School in Newberry, class of 1957.

Elizabeth married the late Reverend Sargent Major Derry Rutherford on July 2, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan.  This union was blessed with three children, Michelle, Kevin and Darris.

Elizabeth became a member of St. Mark AME Church at an early age.  After marriage, she was baptized and became a member of Fellowship Baptist Church with her husband Derry.  She served faithfully on many auxiliaries there including the Usher Board, Musical Choir and Pastor's Aide.  Later in life, she was the first lady of River of Life Church of Newberry, where her husband pastored for many years.  She was a current member and past president of Women's Aide Society #10.

"Liz" as she was affectionately called by family members loved being a military wife and traveling extensively to other countries.  She enjoyed planning events such as family reunions, high school reunions and birthday parties for her grandchildren.  She was a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Wives Club and American Business Women's Association.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents John and Agnes; sisters, Carrie Mae Flemon and Fannie Mae Counts Cannon; brothers, John Jr., Eddie and Henry Lee Counts and her loving husband Derry.

She is survived by her children; Michelle Reeves, Kevin (Tia) Rutherford and Darris Rutherford all of Columbia, SC; six grandchildren Stephen Rutherford, Rashonda Reeves and Asa Reeves all of Columbia, SC, Keturah Rutherford of Jacksonville, FL, Belicia Rutherford and Destiny Rutherford of Rockledge, FL; sisters-in-law Mary Chapman of Columbia, SC, Bessie (Richard) Bookman, Glenise C. Rutherford, Annie Mae Rutherford of Newberry, SC and Shirley B. Rutherford of Pomaria, SC; three brothers-in-law, Jeffie Rutherford of Pomaria, SC, David (Saundra) Rutherford of Newberry, SC and Donald (Elizabeth) Rutherford Sr. of Prosperity, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

Visitation for Elizabeth will be Monday October 19, 2020 from 2:00 pm till 7:00 pm at Wilson Funeral Home.

A private funeral service will be at 1:00 pm October 20, 2020 at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia.

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