Billie Sherer Rutledge

Billie Carolyn Sherer Rutledge was called home to be with her Lord and to reunite with her loved ones on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

Billie was born on August 9, 1936 in Jasper, Alabama to the late Hosmer and Reba Sherer. She spent her childhood years skating the sidewalks of Jasper near her home with her lifelong friend Yvonne Watts. When she was 16 years old, she eloped to Mississippi with the love of her life, Howard Franklin Rutledge, and kept their marriage secret for six weeks. Billie and Frank celebrated with RC Colas and Moon Pies. They shared 64 anniversaries together. Through the years, she worked alongside Frank at the Frosty Walk-In, S & F Restaurant, and KFC of Jasper while raising their children. She also attended Walker College and studied accounting as she was the bookkeeper for their businesses.

Billie had many roles and and went by many names in her life, but most knew her as Mama Billie. To know her, was to love her and there could only ever be one Mama Billie. Her life was spent poured into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always available for them at any minute of the day or night, whatever the need or want should be. She was the most wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her legacy and memories will be treasured for a lifetime.

Billie was always very active in her church. In her younger days, she could be seen carrying her children and the neighborhood children to Vacation Bible School. She wanted everyone to learn about salvation and the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus. She was a prayer warrior and there was not a day that went by that she did not cover her family in prayer. She often sent a group text to her family with a favorite Bible verse for the day. She loved the Lord with all her heart.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Franklin Rutledge; her parents, Leon Hosmer Sherer and Reba Mae Sherer Abbott; step-father, Commander Thomas Haywood Abbott; in-laws, John Hobson and Mary Lelia Myers Rutledge; sister and brother in-law, Joyce Rutledge Burton and Jack.

She is survived by her children, Sonya Carol Rutledge Parnell and Jeff Parnell; her son, Howard Franklin Rutledge, Jr.; grandchildren, Ansley Parnell Allen (Hunter), John Ivan Rutledge, Mason Thomas Parnell, Ross Franklin Rutledge and fiance Alexis Stewart; great-grandchildren Maryella Carolyn Rutledge, Andee Jean Rutledge, and Lelia Mae Allen; step-sister Marsha Abbott Moulder; step-brother Mikel H. Abbott; sister and brother in-law Martha Rutledge Banks and Neil, and loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at Jasper’s First Baptist Church, where Billie was a member. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the service at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Andy Frazier and Bro. Don Graham will officiate. Her non-profit of choice was the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.