Ms. Jessie Lee Ratliff

It is with profound sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. and members of the Ratliff family regret to inform the transition of Ms. Jessie Lee Ratliff of Darlington, SC. Ms. Ratliff passed peacefully on Sunday evening, December 12, 2021 with her family by her side at the residence of her beloved daughter, Terry Ratliff Harrell. 

Funeral Service is 11:00AM on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Faith Memorial Gardens. Interment will follow. Please adhere to mask wearing and social distancing for this service. 

Obituary

    “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

     Miss Jessie Lee Ratliff entered into eternal rest Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law.  She was born on June 19, 1929 in Chesterfield, South Carolina a daughter of the late Etril and Sarah Ratliff Burch. 

     She attended the public schools of Anson County, North Carolina where she was a star player on the girl’s Basketball team. 

     She accepted Christ at a young age and became a member of Timmonsville Baptist Church in Mt. Crogan, South Carolina.  Later in life, she became a member of Round O Missionary Baptist Church.

     Miss Ratliff was employed by Holiday Inn in the early 1970’s as head cook.  Later she worked as head cook at Landmark Inn and the Carolina Stand.  She was an excellent cook and thoroughly enjoyed cooking for her loved ones.

    Jessie Lee was preceded in death by: her oldest brother, James “JV” Ratliff and her youngest son, Leslie Andre Ratliff.

     Those who shared the joys of life with her and survived to cherish her memory are:  her son, Larry (Brenda) Ratliff of Liesville, NC; her very devoted daughter and caregiver, Terry (Collins) Harrell of Darlington, SC; her youngest brother, William (Mary) Burch of Oxford, NC; two very special grandsons: LaMario (Vicky) Harrell and Keontae Harrell (a very devoted caregiver)’ eight other grandchildren: Jamie (Caderdra) Ratliff, Tiffney Ratliff, Kisha Maske, Antonio Addison, Jaran (Sharon) Wilson, Kimberly Polk, Darvelle Walls and Shalaria Rivers; sixteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two special nieces: Wanda Hunt and Tonya Shaw; two very close cousins, Brenda Ishmael and Betty Dunlap; a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the residence, 106 Elbow Road, Darlington. 

Mama

     This was a five-year journey for you and me. A journey in which we had some hills to climb and some valley experiences.  But through it all, the Lord blessed me to be able to take care of you.  No more ambulance rides every other week for months.  No more long waits in the hospital ER.  No more needles sticking you.  You fought  a good fight.  Together you and I stood the test.  So many times just the Lord, you and me.  Thank God we made it through those rough times with Him guiding and keeping us.  Mama you took your final exam on Sunday, December 12, 2021 when the Lord dispatched his Angels to give you your results.  Which read, “You have completed your exam you passed the test.  Your work down here is done.”  So He called your name with His sweet soft voice saying “WELL DONE Jessie, my child, you have stood the test.  You have been faithful on this journey.  Lay down your earthly tools, here are your wings.  Come fly with my Angels in my Heavenly realm.” So while you are flying with the Angels I know you will be looking down  on us saying. “Family I’m happy as can be because I am Free. No more pains no more heartaches, family I’m Free.”

    So Mama, we all want the life of longevity just as you were blessed to have.  But one day we all hope to be together with you again. Rest our Queen; Rest our Queen. We love you and we know you are free.

                                                       Your loving Daughter and Family

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