Mrs. Virginia Key Rutledge

Mrs. Virginia Key Rutledge, affectionately known as Jennie, passed away peacefully at her home in the Franke Retirement Community in Mt. Pleasant, SC on Saturday, September 20, 2025. She was 96 years old and left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

Jennie was born as the eighth of ten children to Minnie Mooney Key and Russell Key in Cameron, North Carolina. The family later relocated to Pilot Mountain, NC, where she would go on to graduate from Pilot Mountain High School. During her high school years, she was known for her spirited cheerleading, a testament to her vibrant personality. It was during this time that she met her future beloved husband Joseph Paul Rutledge from King, NC. Their young romance blossomed, and even as Joe served overseas in the Army, their connection remained strong. They were united in marriage in 1948 and subsequently made Winston-Salem, NC, their home.

Eager to forge her own path, Jennie attended the Business College of Winston-Salem and began her professional journey at the Forsyth County Department of Social Services. In 1965, the Rutledge family relocated to Burlington, NC, where Jennie continued her career at the Alamance County Department of Social Services, eventually retiring after 31 rewarding years.

Throughout her life, Jennie demonstrated her profound commitment to her faith and community. An active member of Davis Street United Methodist Church, she participated in various roles, including being part of the Builder's Class, singing in the choir, leading circles, and coordinating meals for church funerals. Jennie's service extended beyond the church as she volunteered as a Pink Lady at Alamance County Hospital for two decades. Her dedication to fitness was evident as she frequented the Burlington YMCA, where she was often seen exercising in the water or engaging in various classes. A lover of nature, Jennie took joy in walking, biking, and tending to her beautiful flower garden, and her family and friends often delighted in her famous coconut cake.

After the passing of her husband, Joseph Paul Rutledge, in 2006, Jennie made the move to Mt. Pleasant, SC, in 2014 to be close to her daughter, Mary Jo Dennard and her family. At the Franke at Seaside Retirement Community, she embraced her new life, celebrating her independence through social activities. It was here that she met and married Thomas Walker Nelson, and together they forged a new chapter filled with travel, croquet, painting, and cherished companionship, navigating life's challenges together.

Jennie was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Joseph Paul Rutledge, and her nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by her second husband Thomas Walker Nelson of Mt. Pleasant, SC and her loving daughter, Mary Jo, and her husband Thomas Stokes Dennard, who also reside in Mt. Pleasant, SC. She also leaves behind a proud lineage, including her grandsons Clayton Rutledge and his wife Christina Dennis Dennard of Charleston, SC, Taylor Stokes and his wife Lauren Zimmerman Dennard of Overland Park, Kansas, and great grandson, Joseph Dennis Dennard of Charleston, SC, along with great-granddaughter Ada Nicole Dennard and great-grandson Abel Stokes Dennard, both of Overland Park, Kansas.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Emma Davis and the dedicated team at BeWell for the compassionate care they provided to Jennie. They would also like to thank Lutheran Hospice for their support, allowing her to remain in the comfort of her home.

Arrangements for cremation will be handled by J. Henry Stuhr in Charleston, SC, with burial services coordinated by Volger Funeral and Cremations at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem, NC.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Mausoleum Chapel at Forsyth Memorial Park. Jennie's presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of her great grandson, Joseph Dennard, please make a contribution to Camp Happy Days, 933 Dupont Rd., Suite B, Charleston, SC 29407. Camp Happy Days goal is to improve the physical, emotional and psychological health of the entire family facing pediatric cancer.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.