Clementine Days Rutland

Clementine Days Rutland passed away on June 16, 2026, at the age of 95. Born in Miami, Florida, in 1930, to Reverend Hampton Days, Sr. and Evangelist Alma Rutledge Days. Clementine spent her childhood between her family’s farm and church, where hard work and faith shaped the values that would fuel her later success in life.

Clementine attended Dorsey High School (the only colored high school in Miami at that time). Where she met her future husband Wilbur Rutland, Jr. After graduating from high school, Clementine moved to New York City to work as a nanny, she soon realized the job was not the right fit for her.

In 1962, her childhood sweetheart, Wilbur, returned from the Korean War and joined Clementine in New York City, where they married and raised three children. Together, they purchased their family home in Queens, New York, where Clementine lovingly hosted family cookouts, birthday celebrations, and holiday dinners for years to come.

In 1993, Clementine and Wilbur moved to Delaware, where they spend the remainder of their lives, Clementine was an active member of Victory Christian Fellowship Church, where she served faithfully and was affectionately known as the “Dancing Usher”.

Over the years, Clementine built a life centered on family, faith, work, and enjoying her life on her terms. She loved to travel and was known for her beautiful smile, good food, dance moves, and her innate ability to say exactly what was on her mind.

Clementine was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Rutland, Jr., and 28 siblings. She is survived by her children, Rosalind Jordan, Donald Rutland, and Barbara Whittenburg; her son-in-law Dion Whittenburg; her grandchildren Nicole Jordan Jones, Kevin Jordan, LaTonia Rutland, Jasmin Jordan, Dock Hoffman IV, Dana Hoffman, and her grandson-in-law Sherwin Jones; her great-grandchildren LaZiya Holden, Layla Jordan, London Holden, Jordan Holden, Evan Jordan, Jayceon Kinard, and Nia Jones; her sister, Rubell Roberts, and brothers, Garner and Phillip Days; and as her sister-in-law, Glodene Lawson as well as a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 2-3:00 pm at Victory Christian Fellowship Church, 100 Wilton Blvd., New Castle, DE 19720. A Homegoing Celebration will follow at 3:00 pm. Interment will be at a later date at Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware.

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