Mrs. Ladell Pass Tutt went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Born on January 22, 1930 in Mount Airy, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late Viola Stephens Pass Fortson, Ed Pass, and Ernest Fortson, Sr. Ladell was a woman of deep faith, unwavering strength, and a loving spirit who devoted her life to her family, her church, and her community.

In 1947, Ladell was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Deacon Willie Eddie Tutt of Cornelia, Georgia. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with four daughters whom she treasured deeply. Her greatest joy in life was raising her girls and pouring love, wisdom, and encouragement into her family.

Ladell attended school in Habersham County and joined the Baptist Church at an early age. She faithfully served alongside her husband at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia, where she was a dedicated member of the Usher Board, Food Committee, and numerous other church ministries. Following Eddie’s passing, she returned her membership to Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mount Airy, where she continued her faithful service through the Flower Committee, Senior Mission Ministry, and EBC Cell Ministry.

Mrs. Tutt made history as the first African-American hired at Riegel Textile Corporation (Mount Vernon Mills) in Alto, Georgia. Through hard work and determination, she dedicated more than 30 years of service before retiring in 1996.

Ladell found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved walking, growing beautiful flowers, and baking for those she loved. Her famous “Pound Cake” became a cherished favorite at church gatherings and among many loyal customers. She was also a gifted storyteller and author. In 2013, she collaborated with her daughter, Teddy, to publish her first book, “Walking and Talking with Mom,” which shared the story of her life. In 2018, she released her second book, “Cooking with Momma Ladell,” featuring many of her treasured recipes. Both books became local best sellers. She was also honored as one of the “Faces of Habersham” by Heather Burke-Cody.

Ladell was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Deacon Eddie Tutt; brothers, Clifford Pass, Ernest Fortson, Jr., Willie Fortson, and Oscar Fortson, Sr. (Una Christine); sister, Fannie Fortson Dooley (Wilborn); nephew, Michael Fortson; and niece, Ona Estelle Fortson.

Those left to cherish her precious memories include her daughters, Teresa Crafter (Ed), Sandra “Teddy” Tutt, Marie Tutt, and Phyllis Tutt; beloved dog, Ivory; sister-in-law, Hattie Owens Fortson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Graveside services are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Yonah Memorial Gardens with Rev. Joe Lee Banks, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour on Thursday.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Care Team, Gainesville Internal Medicine Group, and Dr. Roger Owens, who faithfully cared for Mrs. Tutt for more than 40 years.

An online guest registry is available for the Tutt family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.