Obituary of Mrs. EllaRea Rutledge Reynolds

A Time to be Born

Mrs. EllaRea Rutledge Reynolds was born on February 16, 1932 in Birmingham, Al. to the parentage of the late Mr. Willie Sr. and Mrs. Annie Bell Kyle Rutledge. She was the third of twelve children born to the union of her parents. Early on, she was reared in Darktown (East Birmingham) and later relocated to the Collegeville community with her family. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Willie Lee Reynolds and to this union one child was born- Francis John Reynolds.

A Time To Worship

EllaRea started her Christian journey at Bethel Baptist Church- Collegeville. She later decided to convert her faith to that of Catholicism. She was a faithful and devout Catholic for the duration of her life. She served at Sacred Heart Catholic Church until her demise. She was a proud
member of the Knights of Peter Claver for many years. She truly embodied the faith she believed and confessed in.

A Time to Learn

EllaRea was a staunch advocate of education that desired to excel academically. She was a product of the Birmingham City School System and a proud 1950 graduate of the A. H. Parker High School. Her insatiable zeal for knowledge led her to further studies at Miles College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She went on to graduate with a Master's of Science degree from the University of Alabama- Tuscaloosa in Guidance and Counseling. Finally, she earned a second Master's of Science from the University of Alabama-
Birmingham in Food and Nutrition. This educational matriculation primed her for successful careers in both education and nursing.

A Time To Work

EllaRea did not exhibit the spirit of idleness spoken of in Proverbs 31:27. Instead, with her educational training she worked at Holy Family Catholic High School serving in various capacities. She first was a teacher, then a Guidance Counselor and finally, retiring, as Assistant
Principal. She also served as a Licensed Practical Nurse for UAB Hospital for over 30 years. Because of her love for education, she later would go into the Birmingham City School system serving as a Guidance Counselor at Malachi Wilkerson Middle School for over 15 years.

A Legacy to Leave

EllaRea, after a full and fulfilling life of 93 years exchanged time for eternity on February 19, 2025 at the Palliative Care Unit of the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital. She is preceded in death by her only child; Francis John Reynolds; sisters; Dorothy Mae Rutledge; Betty Jean Rutledge; Shirley Ann Rutledge; brothers; Willie Rutledge, Jr.; Nathaniel Rutledge, Sr.; Roy Rutledge, Sr.;

Those left to cherish her memories include; loving and devoted granddaughters; Emilia D. Reynolds and Brittany Reynolds Thomas; loving and devoted great- granddaughter; Halle Keshawn Law; loving and devoted sister; Gertrude R. Harris; loving and devoted brothers; Jesse Rutledge (Marjean) Ft. Worth, Texas; Tommy Rutledge, Sr. (Estella) Birmingham, Al.; James Rutledge, Sr. Birmingham, Al.; Leroy Rutledge (Barbara); Columbus, Ohio; loving and devoted nieces; Luretha R. Sankey (Leon); Sandra R. Thomas; Brendolyn R. High all of Birmingham, Al.; and a host of other special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.