Debra Payne Rutledge

July 31, 1956 - October 24, 2018

Debra Payne Rutledge, 62, of Bluff City, TN, passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born on July 31, 1956 in Johnson City, TN, a daughter of the late Roy Allen Payne and Stella Jane Poore Payne. Debra was the proud mother of a son serving as a Bristol, TN Police Officer. She was employed as a Registered Nurse for 17 years by Amedisys Home Health. Prior to Amedisys, she was employed for 17 years with Northside Hospital in Johnson City, TN. Debra loved reading, watching her granddaughter play softball, and spending time with her family, and traveling. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Mike Rutledge; son, Kevin Rutledge and wife Jody; granddaughter, Breanna Rutledge; sister, Sue Pierson and husband Carl; brother, Ronnie Payne and wife Ginny; and nieces, Carol, Rebecca and Jennifer. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home in Bristol, TN. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Carol Pierson officiating. The committal service and interment will follow at Morning View Cemetery in Bluff City, TN. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to her special doctor and friend Dr. David Freeman and wife Mandy; her sister by choice, Cheryl Crawford; and the Staff of 2 East at Bristol Regional Medical Center for all their love and care shown to Mrs. Rutledge. Arrangements especially for Mrs. Rutledge and her family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory.