Official Obituary of
Dorothy Jean (Harris) Ratliff
December 23, 1949 ~ December 9, 2018 (age 68) 68 Years Old
Dorothy Ratliff Obituary
Ms. Dorothy Jean Harris Ratliff, age 68, of 815 Blackwell St., Waycross; who was affectionately called Jean, passed away peacefully in her home on December 9, 2018 with her loved ones by her side. She was the fifth born child of the late Lacey B. (L.B.) and Elzona Johnson Harris on December 23, 1949. She was born in Blackshear, Georgia. She passed away at the age of 68.
Jean attended and graduated from Lee Street High School in Blackshear, Georgia in 1967. After graduation, she moved to Waycross, Georgia and enrolled in the Waycross Ware Technical School where she studied nursing. Upon completion of the program with honors, her instructor recommended her for a position at the Waycross Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department. She held that position for almost 44 years. During her time at the hospital, she saw many come and go. She also trained many nurses that were employed in the department. Everyone she worked with looked up to her and counted on her. During her time at the hospital, she received numerous awards and honors including Employee of the Year. She was also a member of the National Black Nurses Association.
Jean was known for her calming demeanor as well as her service throughout the community. She never met a stranger and was always available to help anyone in need.
Jean was also known as the “Total Look Diva!” She was always dressed sharp wherever she went. Her favorite past time was shopping as well as going to thrift stores and antiquing. She loved cooking and baking for everyone. You could always go by her house to get a slice of something sweet or a meal.
In 1967, she married Louis Ratliff of Waycross, Georgia. To this union two children were born, Velandrea Giselle and Kim.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lacey B. (L.B.) and Elzona Harris and siblings Johnnie Burke, Lucinda Jackson and Myrtice Helen Golden.
Jean loved her family and friends. She leaves a lifetime of memories to her daughters, Velandrea Giselle Ratliff (Al) of Newark, New Jersey and Kim Ratliff of Augusta, Georgia. Four grandchildren, Camron Paige, Karon Paige, Lacey Paige, and Kyron Paige all of Willingboro, New Jersey. Two great-grandchildren, Kai Paige and Kamryn Paige of Willingboro, New Jersey. One sister-in-law, JoAnn Ratliff-Wilcox of Waycross, Georgia. One brother-in-law, Carl Golden of Baltimore, Maryland. Three sisters, Carolyn (Joseph) Johnson of Brewton, Alabama, Sandra Faye (Andre) Badger of Somerset, New Jersey, Cynthia Amponsah (Emory) of Waycross, Georgia; one brother Timothy (Cynthia) Harris of Blackshear, Georgia,her loving companion dog, Precious Ratliff. Cousin and caregiver Gwinnette Cooley, and close family Michael Holliday of Athens, Georgia. Two godchildren London McKelvin and Kyla McKelvin both of Waycross, Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and adoptive friends and family.
The family is receiving friends at her home.
A visitation will be held Friday, December 14th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Rainge Memorial Chapel, 505 Ware St., Blackshear.
The cortège will assemble at her home at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Church Ministry, 4100 GA Highway 32, Bristol; Rev. Nathaniel Anderson, Pastor. Pastor Regina T. Harris of New Life Worship Center, Augusta, Ga; will delivered words of comfort.
Interment will follow at Blackshear City Cemetery, Blackshear.
Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.
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