Evan Florine Rutherford

Evangelist Florine Rutherford, 72, departed this life on March 6, 2023, at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center. Florine was born October 14, 1950, in Lexington, Mississippi to the late Riley Russell, Sr. and Mary Lee March Russell. She moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1969 where she met and married, Hearl Williams. Hearl Williams preceded her in death in 1972. She married Arlander Rutherford in June of 2007; who also preceded her in death in 2011. Florine last worked as a childcare provider for the State of Illinois in Peoria County. She was one of the founders of the Apostolic Missionary Church of Jesus Christ in 1985. She became pastor of AMC in 1987 and served until 2007. In 2007, she married Overseer Arlander Rutherford in Peoria, Illinois and became the First Lady of the Glorious Church of Jesus Christ. Upon the passing of her husband, late Overseer Arlander Rutherford, she became a prestigious member and helpmate to the late Overseer Liehue Rutherford. Upon the passing of Overseer Liehue Rutherford in 2021, she became the interim pastor of the Glorious Church of Jesus Christ until pastorship was appointed to the now presiding Pastor, Ron Rutherford, in October 2021. She also was the State Missionary of Illinois in the Glorious Church body and remained a faithful member until her name was called, and she made her transition to be with the Lord. She loved studying and preaching the word of God. She was loyal and compassionate to all and loved helping those in need. Evangelist Florine leaves her precious memories, to cherish, to four children: Mary Danyell (Ernest) Parker Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Jason (Lisa) Taylor of East Peoria, IL, Dwayne Williams of Peoria Heights, IL and Kenneth Williams of Decatur, IL. Three stepchildren, Pastor Hubert (Ron) Rutherford, Sheila Lee, and Angela Rutherford all of Peoria, IL. Two goddaughters, Sharon Jordan and Linda Johnson of Peoria, IL. Five sisters, Overseer Ruth Rutherford and Laura Russell, both of Peoria, IL, Mae Flora Hinton, Mary Greer and Gladys Andrews, all of Chicago, IL. One brother, Willie Allen (Ora) Russell of Lexington, MS. Four special sisters/cousins: Hazel (Michael) Williams, Georgia Common, Josephine Davis, and Ernestine Brock; One special brother/cousin, Willie (Helen) March. She also leaves twenty-three grandchildren, including Gabrielle Alexander whom she helped raised, thirty-five great grandchildren, including LaMere Alexander whom she raised, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including a special friend, Ms. Mary Parker of Phoenix, AZ. Evangelist Florine was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands: Hearl Williams and Overseer Arlander Rutherford, one son: Michael DWayne Williams, one sister: Bessie Jordan, and ten brothers. Evangelist Florine will be laid to rest at Historic Springdale Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ (401 Elm Street Peoria, IL 61605) at 10:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior at 9:00 a.m. Overseer Ruth Rutherford will officiate, and General Bishop Azel Colston Jr. will present the Eulogy. Arrangements were made especially for the Rutherford family and professionally directed by TW Parks Colonial Chapel. At the request of the Rutherford family, Live Streaming Service will be available on TW Parks Colonial Chapel's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel/. Online condolences and acknowledgments can be made at twparkschapel.com.

Evan Florine Rutherford

October 14, 1950 - March 6, 2023