THE CHAPTERS OF LIFE OF DEACON RUFUS “BO” WILLIAM THURMOND

Deacon Rufus William Thurmond (Bo) was the oldest of 6 children born to William A. Thurmond and Ora Lee (nee Johnson) on August 12, 1931 in Lexington, Mississippi.

At the age of 12, Rufus moved to Cleveland, Ohio.  He attended John Burrows Elementary School, Central Junior High and Central Senior High Schools.

His first job after graduating high school was at The Farrow Foundry.  Rufus was employed by The Ford Motor Company in addition to various jobs until he officially retired in 1983.

Rufus was joined in matrimony to Elizabeth (nee Richardson), now deceased.

He later married Carolyn (nee Ivey), now deceased.

He became a member of Second Ebeneezer Baptist Church in 1945.  Rufus was baptized there on his birthday on August 12, 1984.

Rufus joined Star of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in 1989.  He became a Deacon on July 23, 1993.

Rufus Thurmond was a very valued member of First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church from November 26, 2017 until his passing on October 12, 2021.

Rufus was preceded in death by his siblings, James W. Thurmond, Ervin L. Thurmond (Lola), Dorothy (Pearl) Scovil, Finest (Bobby) Scovil, and Barbara Ann Jordan (Leroy).

He leaves to mourn his memory, his sister, Christine Wilborne (Charles).

Rufus W. Thurmond was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Jean Thurmond.

His seven surviving children are, Patricia A. Thurmond, William R. Thurmond, James E. Thurmond (Ramona), Theresa L. Thurmond, Wanda Thurmond, Kevin A. Thurmond Sr. (Erin), and Michael D. Thurmond.  Rufus had one adopted child, Marie M. Jackson; thirteen grandchildren, Crystal M. Thurmond, Theresa R. Thurmond, Dawn Page Thurmond, Eric J. Thurmond, Aaron J. Thurmond, Kevin A. Thurmond Jr. (Dominique), Ashley Turner, Amari M. Payne, Desire Thurmond, Jararion A. Jackson, Craig Barrell, Christian Jackson and Jamyiah M. Jackson; six great-grandchildren, Avion C. Thurmond, Khari Thurmond, Khyra Thurmond, Rylie Thurmond, Asa Thurmond and Sinai Thurmond; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends will grieve the loss of Rufus William Thurmond.