Natta Josephine Rutland

She was preceded in death by her mother Vela Jones Johnson, father, William Benton Franklin Johnson, brothers: Larry Wayne Johnson, James Franklin Johnson, and Lowell Ray Johnson, husbands John Porter (Jay) Wilhite II and Wayne Rutland, and daughter Katherine Ann Wilhite Schaff ran.

Jo is survived by her twin sister Hattie Florine (Flo) Johnson Ray, daughters Rebecca Jo (Frederick) Wilhite Iversen and Teresa Jayne (Edward) Wilhite Lemm, and sons Donald Jay (Kellie) Wilhite, Marshall Todd (Alyssa) Wilhite and Marc Hillburn (Emily) Wilhite. She was a devoted grandmother to 16 grandchildren -Leanne, Tony, Karen, Donnie, Paula, John, James, Brandy, Michelle, Jackson, Katie, Laurel, Bethany, Amy, Porter, and Grayson, 30 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Jo was raised in Oklahoma, South Texas and Oregon, graduating from Malin High School in 1954. After graduation, she and Flo moved back to Texas to attend Dallas Christian College. There, Jo met the love of her life, Jay Wilhite. They were wed on November 18th, 1956. Jay held several jobs during their 37 years of marriage but for a good portion of that time he was a preacher. Jo faithfully served alongside him in every role, embodying the heart of a true companion. Her love for the Lord, His church, Jay, and their children shaped every chapter of her life.

After Jay's passing in 1994, Jo found purpose and community through Golden Agers camp and mission trips to Cameroon and Belize. During these trips and at camp, she met Wayne Rutland. Wayne and Jo married in 2001 and continued serving together on additional mission trips for as long as their health allowed. Wayne passed away in 2018.

In her later years, Jo lived with or near her children-Todd in Tyler, Texas; Becky in Charleston, South Carolina; and Teri in Spring, Texas. She cherished time spent with family and found joy in every moment shared with her children, grandchildren, and

great-grandchildren. Jo loved people deeply, and her warmth, faith, and devotion will be remembered by all who knew her.

A ceremony honoring Jo's life will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 21723 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Beech Hill Church of Christ

Cameroon Mission Fund (memo line for check) Box 37

Ripley, MS 38663