Willie Beatrice (Greene) Rutherford

Willie Beatrice Rutherford, better known as Bea, was born on February 6, 1931, to James and Mattie Greene in Marion, Arkansas. 

Bea attended Shelby County Training School in Lucy, TN, where she obtained her High School diploma.

Bea accepted Christ at age 13 and was baptized in the Mississippi River. She moved to Milwaukee, WI in 1951. She joined Tabernacle Community Baptist Church in 1991 where she served in the Dorcas Circle and Mother's Ministries which is now under the pastorship of Rev. Dr. Donna Childs.

Bea met and married the love of her life, Tommie Lee Rutherford. They were married for 60+ years. Six children were born to their union. Bea worked at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex for 30 years as a Certified Psychiatric Aide. 

She knew how to stretch a dollar and was still able to save! She maintained a beautifully decorated and organized home. She loved to organize the family picnics and take her children to places such as Muskego beach or just take a ride in the country. Bea laid the foundation for her family's Christian growth. She valued education and was proud they all completed their formal education.

She did not like to cook; however, yet she was awesome at it. Here hobbies were reading, singing, playing cards, gardening and shooting pool. 

On the early morning of April 2, 2023, Willie B. Rutherford fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. She was greeted by her husband Tommie, 2 daughters Sheila (Lynette/Lynn), Toni Faye Rutherford, her parents James and Mattie Greene and Grandmother Mattie Thomas.

As part of her legacy, she leaves to cherish her memory four generations: Her only sister Teresa Buchanan; 4 children, Jacquelyn (Brian) Lawrence, Gwendolyn (Robert) Sutton, Tonya (Kenneth) Peavey and Terrence (Phoebe) Rutherford; 7 grandchildren, Karen, Kevin, Kynyata, Diedra, NaShera, Brandonn and Kathryn; 12 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, 25 nieces and nephews, her cousin Lillie Carter, wo held a special place in her heart, and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held for Bea on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 10:00 in the morning until the time of services at 12:00 Noon, all at Tabernacle Community Baptist Church, 2500 West Medford Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206. Private interment Wisconsin Memorial Park

You have taught us well; your work here is done. You have earned the right to rest in peace!

We love and miss you! You will live in our hearts forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Beatrice (Greene) Rutherford, please visit our floral store.