Sydney Vernell Griffin- Rutherford was born in Caroline County, Virginia on August 17, 2024, to the late John Ridgely and Mary Lee Pleasants.

Sydney attended Union High School in Bowling Green, Virginia and received her diploma in Washington, D.C. while attending night school. Upon completion of school, she was employed at Dixon Law Firm, Howard University Hospital and AARP. Sydney later retired and continued work as Certified Nursing Assistant.

Sydney was united in marriage to the late Thomas Ernest Rutherford on April 29, 1994, and established her home with him in Virginia surrounded by their loved ones.

Sydney was affectionately known as "Sookie Lee" and loved on everyone that she encountered. She enjoyed spending time with her family and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing games on her cell phone, watching Lifetime movies and eating foods she wasn't supposed to eat. Her annual phone calls where she sang happy birthday to her children and grandchildren will be deeply missed.

Sydney was preceded in death by her sisters, Jean Pollard, Sylvia Thornton, and Gloria "Sudie" Fitzerald; her brothers, John "Sonny Boy" Pleasants, Edward "Dickey Boy" Carter, James "Chuck" Pleasants, Tyrone Pleasants and William "Pokie" Pleasants.

Sydney leaves to cherish her memories, her children Aundria Hilton, (Harry), Robert "Bug" Pleasants (Colleen), Lea'Montica Griffin (Lex), Danita Griffin, and Jermaine Griffin (Tina), sister, Barbara Sue Pleasants (Richard); sister in love, Ora Crutchfield (Clarence); brother in love, Carl Rutherford; special friend, James Blanchard; lifelong friend Melviria; her grandchildren and great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Caroline County Community Services Center, 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Milford, Virginia 22514 with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in St James Baptist Church Cemetery, 19514 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia.