Betty L. Ratliff

Betty Ratliff Obituary Betty Ratliff (Lovingly known as "Aunty Betty") began her walk of life on May 5, 1920 in Aberdeen, Mississippi. She was the sixth of nine children born to Elijah and Isabella Dawkins. Her fondest childhood memory was moving into a big, new house at the age of 9. Betty accepted Christ at an early age at the Leagues Chapel Methodist Church. Betty graduated high school in Aberdeen. In 1950, she moved to Cleveland for better job opportunities in the north where she found work in a nursing home. Betty was a true southern "lady", the personification of class. She walked with her back straight and her head held high. In 96 years, she lived what most of us will only be able to read about in books. Betty was married for many decades to Rev. Charles Ratliff, who preceded her in going home. She admired him for his big personality. She and Rev. Ratliff were some of the founding members of their beloved Greater Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. They created the annual church birthday fundraising program that is still active to this day. She was a deaconess, chairman of the culinary ministry and sang in the choir. She loved the Lord. Betty was employed by Dr. and Mrs. Baron, who became lifelong friends. Betty was a loving and caring quiet person who always greeted you with a smile. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, when she faithfully hosted the family dinner for many years. Betty was an aunt to many, whether related by blood or love and will be greatly missed. Betty peacefully and quietly went home to the Lord on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 in her sleep. She leaves fond and loving memories in the hearts of those who knew and loved her: Nieces-Luvenia Thomas, Linda Fomby, Dorita Clark, Wanda Lowe, Angela Fain, Rhonda Fletcher, Tierra Fulton; Nephews-Curtis Collins, Joe Daniels, Robert Fletcher, Craig Thomas, Ricardo Thomas, Andre Fomby, Jamal Fomby, Rah-Shun Fomby. Stepchildren-James Ratliff, Roy Ratliff, Jerry Ratliff, Shirley Ratliff. Goddaughters-Jenifred Burnett, Rhonda Chapman and Kimberly Burnett and Special Friends-Leon and Rebecca Russell and Ronnie, as well as, other devoted relatives, friends and concerned neighbors. Cemetery Details Evergreen Memorial Park 5505 Northfield Rd Cleveland, OH, 44146 Wake FEB 25. 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM Greater Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 13023 Crennell Avenue Cleveland, OH, US, 44015 Funeral Service FEB 25. 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM Greater Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 13023 Crennell Avenue Cleveland, OH, US, 44015 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty L. Ratliff, please visit our floral store. Read More

Betty L. Ratliff

May 5, 1920 - February 17, 2017