June Connally Rutledge

Mrs. Barbara June Connally Rutledge of Newnan passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at The Haven. A devoted mother, cherished friend, loving teacher, and faithful servant, Mrs. Rutledge's life was marked by her helpful spirit and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and teaching career. Mrs. Rutledge was born September 5, 1937, in Griffin, Georgia, to the late Harper Glen Connally and Odessa Colquitt Connally. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Glen Connally III; her sister, Jan Nash; her first husband, Arthur Burt Rutledge; her late husband, James Pope Duncan, Sr.; and her grandson, Arthur Brandon Rutledge. Mrs. Rutledge grew up in Newnan and graduated from Newnan High School in 1955. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 from Agnes Scott College. She married Arthur Burt Rutledge in 1961 when they moved to the University of Texas in Austin, where he received his law degree while she taught school in a one-room schoolhouse. Later they returned home to Newnan where they reared their three sons and continued their careers. Heartbroken over the death of Mr. Rutledge in 1970, Mrs. Rutledge lovingly embraced her future with her three small sons vowing to give her best to their upbringing, all with the help of her strong faith in God and personal resolve. She would be the first to tell you that she had plenty of help from family and friends for whom she was always grateful. Mrs. Rutledge continued teaching school and pursued further degrees at West Georgia College receiving a Master of Education degree in 1976 and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision in 1987. Working with children and teachers was one of the greatest joys of her life. She was Coweta County Teacher of the Year and Georgia Teacher of the year runner-up in 1976. With thirty-two years in education, most of the years were spent in the classroom which she dearly loved. The last few years were spent as Lead Teacher and coordinating elementary and middle school curriculum while working with teachers, another job which brought much satisfaction. Upon retirement in 1993, there was time for travel with friends, visits with family, always being happily involved with her grandchildren as they grew. Mrs. Rutledge was an active member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, led G.A's, and organized Seniors on Mission to Shut-ins of the church, taking them weekly meals. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Rutledge Center; was a member of the Newnan Reading Circle; and Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional teachers' organization. Mrs. Rutledge married her second husband, James Pope "Jimmy" Duncan Sr., October 21, 2005. What a blessing it was to spend their "golden years" together. Mrs. Rutledge is survived by her three sons: Arthur Bradley Rutledge, Sr. (Joan) of Jasper, GA., Alan Connally Rutledge (Margarita) of Newnan and Richard Sharber Rutledge (Shirley) of Taylorsville, GA. Her seven grandchildren are Brad Rutledge, Jr. of Acworth, GA., Brooke Rutledge Smith (Spencer) of Columbia, SC., Kirsten O'Neal of Newnan, Jared Rutledge of Rome, GA., James "Jed" Rutledge and Sydney Rutledge of Newnan; Katie Rutledge Hardy (Brett) of Taylorsville, GA.; and several great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a sister, Kay Manning of Arlington, TX; a brother, Walker Connally of Newnan; a sister-in-law, Elaine Ables (Cliff) of Sebring, FL; and a brother-in-law, David Rutledge (Carolyn) of Clarkston, GA. Mrs. Rutledge's memory will be lovingly cherished by many more nieces, nephews, cousins, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and friends who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind an indelible mark of kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. The Memorial Service is on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the Historic Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Newnan, with Pastor Joel Engle officiating. Visitation is at 11:00 with the service beginning at noon. The family respectfully requests that, in place of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to First Baptist Newnan, 15 West Washington, Newnan, 30263; or to Rutledge Center Inc., 61 Hospital Rd., Newnan, 30263. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

June Connally Rutledge

September 5, 1937 - May 10, 2026