Harriett Lee Rucker, 81, of Newberry, a devoted educator, community servant, and member of Central United Methodist Church, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Prisma Health Richland.

Harriett was born June 30, 1944 in Union, South Carolina to Reverend Michael Boyd Lee and Nita Berry Lee. She was the fifth of seven children. She attended Gray Court-Owings High School. With her strong Methodist upbringing she attended Spartanburg Methodist College and then Presbyterian College where she received her degree in Education. She continued her studies at USC for a Masters Degree and then Clemson University for her Education Specialist. She later received her Doctor of Education from South Carolina State University.

She taught elementary school before moving to administration as the Director of Programs for Exceptional Children in Newberry County. She was later elected to the Newberry County School Board where she served for 14 years before being appointed to the SC State Board of Education. She ended her career at the State Budget and Control Board.

Along the way she worked to better her community on various boards and councils to include County Council. She believed in working to improve every aspect of life for all people.

Her greatest accomplishment was her family. She met the love of her life, Johnny Rucker, in 1967. They were married for 56 years. They had two sons, Brandt and Wylie. Both boys were athletes, and she was their biggest supporter.

Harriett was passionate in her faith and served Central United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher as well as on many boards and committees. She headed the Stephen Ministry Program.

She now joins her parents, brother, Mike, sister, Mary Frances Cantrell, and infant grandson, John Brandt Rucker, Jr. in eternal rest.

She is survived by her husband, Johnny, children, Wylie (Stacia) and Brandt (Allyson). Also surviving are grandchildren, Whit, Mims, Sloane, Colin, Brendan, and Ian; a sister, Sidney (Jerry) Williams; three brothers, Lewis (Nancy) Lee, Mason Lee, and Dr. Frank (William Kee) Lee, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Neuro and Medicine critical care team at Prisma Health Richland for the exceptional care given to Harriett.

To honor Harriett, donations may be made to Spartanburg Methodist College and Central United Methodist Church in Newberry, P.O. Box 67, Newberry, SC.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Central United Methodist Church by Reverend Keith Stewart, Reverend John Miller and the Reverend Dr. Amy Cantrell. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:30 pm in Henry Hall prior to the service. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Whit Rucker, Mims Rucker, Lee Foster, Jim Bennett, Howard Kirkegard, and Sonny Ringer.