John M Caruthers
May 20, 1936 – December 23, 2022
He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He perfected the art of conversation to a religion. His joy overflowed to all who came in contact and knew him. Music gave him purpose and peace. John Miner Caruthers, after a long and fruitful life of 86 years, met his Creator and joined the heavenly choir from his residence at the Green Houses at United Methodist Senior Services in Tupelo on Dec. 23, 2022. John, known about Tupelo for his legendary means of transportation, his bicycle, was born in Memphis, Tn. on May 20, 1936 to the late Eugene T. Caruthers and Maxine Miner Caruthers. At a young age, he developed a love for music taught to him by his Step- mother Ginnie Caruthers, with whom he had a close relationship. John could rip a piano up!! He graduated high school from the longtime prominent Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tn. where he considered himself having the best Prepatory education in the land! John received his Bachelors Degree in Music from the University of Mississippi and later furthered his formal education with a Masters from Louisiana State University. A born educator and lifelong student of learning, John had a full career as an elementary music teacher in the Rhode Island Public Schools retiring after 30 years. John moved to Tupelo about 12 years ago where he became a regular at musical and artistic functions in the area. His love of music led him to sing in the choir and play piano/organ for Sunday school at Tupelo’s First United Methodist Church and later, at West Jackson St. Baptist Church, where he found great joy in the music and worship ministry there. A big fan of American Family Radio John’s zeal and zest for life, living, singing and making music and serving his creator will be his legacy.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 11 AM Thursday, December 29, 2022 from the Sanctuary of West Jackson St. Baptist Church with his pastor, Dr. Keith Cochran officiating. Private burial will follow in Longtown Cemetery in Crenshaw, Ms. next to his parents. Visitation will be from 10 AM-service time on Thursday only at the Church. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.
John has no immediate family remaining but was close friends to his first cousins, the Oscar Evans family and other relatives, Bobby Scott, and family members, as well as his West Jackson St. Baptist Church family and many friends in Tupelo who loved him and enjoyed his wonderful personality and presence.
Memorials may be made to West Jackson St. Baptist Church, 1349 W. Jackson St., Tupelo, Ms. 38801, American Family Association 107 Park Gate Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
