Rudi was the beloved wife of Justin Lewis Pierson and the cherished daughter of Charles Joseph “Chuck” and Mary Lynne Smisson Cumiskey, Jr. In addition to her devoted husband and parents, she is survived by her brother, Charles J. “Charlie” Cumiskey III; her grandmother, Patricia Smisson Rudulph Passailaigue; and her treasured fur babies, Murphy, Percy, Sissy, Goose, and Maverick, who brought her constant joy and comfort. She is also survived by a large and heartbroken circle of aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins who adored her and proudly claimed her as their most loved, and unquestionably coolest, cousin.
Rudi was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Eileen Cumiskey, Sr.; Roy Clayton Smisson, Jr.; and her namesake, Robert Lawrence “Larry” Rudulph, Sr.
Born May 3, 1987, in Columbus, Georgia, Rudi distinguished herself early as an accomplished scholar-athlete at Brookstone School. She was honored as Outstanding Female Athlete at Graduation and named All Bi-City Girls Athlete of the Year in 2005. A Georgia Bulldog through and through, Rudi was fiercely loyal, spirited, and proud to be a member of the Phi Mu sisterhood at the University of Georgia.
Rudi was opinionated in the very best way, a thoughtful and measured defender of her beliefs, a profound lover of animals, and a natural community organizer who cared deeply about people and causes. She fought valiantly against health battles for more than half her life, meeting every challenge with strength, grit, and unmistakable resolve that inspired all who knew her. Yet her illness never defined her. What endured, and always will, was her light.
Rudi’s love and light will shine in our hearts forever. She will be missed beyond measure, and her extraordinary, though far too brief, life will be celebrated every minute of every day.
Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Striffler-Hamby Fisher Chapel, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke Church, 1104 Second Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, followed by a private graveside committal at Parkhill Cemetery. A livestream of Rudi’s services may be found at stlukecolumbus.org
Justin will receive dear friends and family in their home after 3 p.m., January 8, 2026.
To honor the life and love of Rudi, memorial gifts may be made in Rudi’s honor to PAWS Humane Society, 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, Georgia, Brookstone School, Columbus GA or to the American Liver Foundation.
