Birth Date: 11/07/1927
Deceased Date: 01/03/2023
Winnie Sullivan Rutter, age 95, passed away quietly on January 3, 2023 at Smithfield Manor Nursing Home. Miss. Winnie, as she was affectionately known around Smithfield Manor, was born on November 7, 1927 to Jack and Martha Evans Pilkington in Johnston County. She was the youngest of seven children, six girls and one boy all of which have preceded her in death.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 6th at 2:00 p.m. in the Selma Memorial Gardens. Pastor Grayson Fallaw of the Pine Level First United Methodist Church will officiate.
She is also preceded by her first husband, Larry “Fet” Sullivan, her second husband, Samuel Rutter, her second son, Lt. Colonel William R. “Randy” Sullivan, and a granddaughter, Amy Kathryn Sullivan Stephenson. She is survived by her eldest son, Larry Sullivan (Brenda) of Pine Level; her youngest son, Stephen Sullivan (Ruth) of Pine Level; granddaughters, Heather Schultz (Bob) of Garner, Lee-Ann Sullivan of Charlotte, Hannah Morgan (Brennon) of Middlesex; one grandson, Kyle Sullivan of Wilmington; three great grandchildren, Sara Stephenson Ziman (Zach) of Roxboro, Lauren Stephenson of Goldsboro and David Morgan of Middlesex; and a stepson, Billy G. Sullivan (Carolyn) of Dunn.
Miss. Winnie was raised up in Selma during the most difficult times of the Great Depression and World War II. She learned the value of hard work and being frugal during her childhood and teen years. Her parents worked in the cotton mills and the children did odd jobs and helped local farmers harvest their crops. In the early 1960’s her first husband was severely injured in a logging accident and was never able to return to the work force. The difficulties and experience of the depression became an asset to Miss. Winnie to help the family through this difficult time. She cleaned houses for people, cleaned churches and developed an association with the Salvation Army that lasts to this day. She prided herself in helping to prepare meals for the monthly meeting Board of Directors for the Salvation Army and working in the clothes closet. She became good friends with many that were board members and staff. Miss. Winnie passed along to her sons the value of hard work and a good education which she never was able to obtain. She has been blessed with many friends.
In 1988 her first husband passed away following a brief illness. Losing her husband really took a toll on her but she worked through with the help of lifetime friends and the Emanuel Holiness Church in Selma. In 2003 she married Mr. Sam Rutter of Newton Grove who also attended the Emanuel Church. Unfortunately, Sam passed away suddenly in 2005. This was another obstacle she had to overcome which was very difficult. Following Sam’s passing she returned to Selma and resided in an apartment until January of 2019 at that time she suffered a fall. After therapy it was obvious that she would not be able to return home. After much angst the sons realized that her new home would be at Smithfield Manor, which was a blessing for her and all the family. She still tried to be helpful but she knew that there is very little she can do due to the limitations of her body other than to be courteous and friendly to all. The family is very appreciative of the staff and facilities at Smithfield Manor as they comforted her till the end.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Salvation Army of Johnston County, P.O. Box 805, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
