Ellen Geraldine "Jeri" Adams

Ellen Geraldine “Jeri” Adams, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026.

Jeri was born December 13, 1945, the only child raised by John Clyde Sills and Ellen Rosser Sills, who both preceded her in death. She graduated from Therrell High School in Atlanta, GA, Class of 1961. She was first married to Ted Rutledge, with whom she shared two sons, Lane and Lee.

Jeri is preceded in death by her second husband, David Adams, with whom she had a long and happy marriage.

She is survived by her sons, Lane Rutledge (Tammi), Lee Rutledge (Dena), her grandchildren, Ryan Rutledge Fuerst (Paul), Emilie Rutledge Dudas (Justin), Will Rutledge (Mariana), Bret Rutledge (Casey), Kate Rutledge Felker (Cody), and great-grandchildren, Jack, Elijah, Cooper, and Hunter Dudas, and Samuel and James Fuerst.

She is also survived by her step-son, Ricky Adams (Cathy), step-grandchildren Alisha Crow (Matthew), Ricky Adams Jr. (Jamie), Brittany Webster (Eddie), and her step-great grandchildren Jackson and Madison Adams, Harper, Kolton, and Avery Webster.

She also leaves behind a beautiful church community and wonderful group of friends.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be terribly missed.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 22nd at 9:30a.m. with Funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Harpeth Heights Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society in recognition of the care, support, and hope provided to individuals and families facing cancer.

Arrangements are in the care of: Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209. (615) 857-9955.  We are proud to be locally owned and operated.