Beatrice Rutledge Steelman, 83, of Clinton and formerly of Sunflower, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2016, at her home. She was born to Clarence James and Viar Jenkins Rutledge, June 5, 1933, in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Beatrice worked in food services at Indianola Academy for many years. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and loved beautiful flowers. She was an avid baseball fan and most especially loved watching her grandsons play. Beatrice was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, and enjoyed family time. She could always be found in her kitchen lovingly cooking all of their favorite meals.

In addition to her parents, Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Carl Steelman, Sr.; son, Ricky Sanford Steelman; brothers James, Walter, and Lewis Rutledge; and sisters, Mary Busby and Margie Ann Rutledge. Those left to cherish her loving memory are sons, Clarence Steelman, Jr. and wife Sharon of Sunflower, Sam Steelman and wife Stephanie of Clinton; daughters, Nora Mount and husband Wayne of Yazoo City, Mandy Steelman of Clinton, Leslie Jacob and husband Yancey of St. Amant, Louisiana; brothers, Bill Rutledge and wife Peggy of Kosciusko, Joe Rutledge and wife Mary of Philadelphia, Randy Rutledge and wife Diane of Greenville, Pete Rutledge of Belzoni; sisters, Ada O'Neal and husband Eddie of Greenville, Dorothy Johnson and husband Art of Gary, Indiana; thirteen grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service at Burton Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery, all under the direction of Burton Funeral Home in Indianola.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Mississippi Chapter, 232 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Flowood, MS 39232.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net