Obituary of Mary Moody
Mother Mary Serena Moody was born April 9, 1939, in Andrews, South Carolina to Charles and Nancy
Rutledge. She attended Rosemary High School in Andrews.
Mary moved to Rochester, New York at a young age. She was briefly employed with Highland
Hospital; however, her primary job was as a homemaker, taking care of her children. Well-
known and loved by many, Mary was the mother of the community. Her great sense of humor
attracted many people to her. She had a special ability to make people laugh, and would light up
any room she entered. Being the outspoken person she was, Mary always had something to
say about everyone, but you could count on everything being said in love. A woman of great
wisdom, she always had good advice, and Mary would share it with you, whether you wanted to
hear it or not. Mary believed in cultivating relationships with family and friends, so having long
conversations on the phone was no surprise.
As a child, Mary had an inquisitive mind, and it grew as she grew. She became “The Source” for
information needed by family and friends, alike. In her leisure time, Mary loved watching her
Soaps (stories), game shows, Tyler Perry shows, Westerns, and doing her scratch offs. Our
fondest memories of Mary are her generous spirit, and the loving care and support she showed
as an exemplary mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend.
Mary departed this life suddenly on August 21, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
She is predeceased by her sons: Ronnie Rutledge Sr., Kenneth Lee Moody and Jeffery Moody;
a grandson, Tajuan Polite; her parents, Charles and Nancy Rutledge; brothers, Charles
Rutledge Sr. and Richard Rutledge; sisters: Maggie Dozier, Nellie Rutledge, and Bertie
Rutledge. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Patricia Moody and Charlene
Moody of Charlotte, NC; sons, Jonathan Rutledge of Columbia, SC and Donovan Moody;
grandchildren: David Heath Jr., Clifton Wright Jr., Jamari Moody, Jhane’ Moody, Ronnie
Rutledge Jr., Chiron Rutledge, Jonathan Tubbs, Maurice Jones, Lashay Tubbs, Jonisha
Rutledge, Jamar Moody, Nakia Scott, Andrea Moody, Jasmine Scott, Chyna Harris, Tansanika
Moody, Donovan Moody Jr., and Lakesha Moody; 35 great-grandchildren; six great-great-
grandchildren; sister-in-law and best friend, Geraldine Moody; brother-in-law, Roy Moody;
special friend, Jesse; special little friend, GiGi, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 29 th at 1pm, at First Church of God, 334 Clarissa
Street, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2pm.