Theodora Velma Fonteneau Rutherford (January 28, 1904 – August 15, 1993)[1] was an African-American accountant, clubwoman, and college instructor.

[2] She attended Howard University, graduating summa cum laude in 1923, at the top of her class i the School of Commerce and Finance.

[10][11] She was president of the West Virginia Consumer Association and served on the boards of the Community Banking and Savings Company.

[20] In 1983, Rutherford was honored by Howard University for her lifetime of achievement, with fellow alumni Debbie Allen, Wayman Smith III, James E. Bowman, Gloria Twine Chisum, and Robert E. L.

[21][22] Theodora Fonteneau married Charles Robert Rutherford, who also worked at West Virginia State University.

[23] Her only child, Rosalie (1932-1976),[24] was disabled in an accident as a young woman; Theodora Rutherford raised her granddaughter, Elvira Morgan (1958-1976).