Juanita Ratliff

JUANITA RATLIFF FEBRUARY 15, 1926 – JANUARY 23, 2023 Mother Juanita (Myers) Ratliff was born February 15, 1926 to the late Ceola and Mae Myers in Chesterfield, South Carolina. She departed this life in her home on January 28, 2023. At a young age Juanita joined Sweet Home Church of Chesterfield, South Carolina and dedicated her life following the Word of God. On August 19, 1944, she united in marriage with the late Deacon James Thomas Ratliff. From this union they raised 12 children; 10 girls and 2 boys. In 1954, the family relocated to New Haven, Connecticut. A faithful and virtuous woman, Juanita became a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church of West Haven, Inc. in 1954, where she served as a Deaconess and Sunday School member. She devoted many of her talents to many church auxiliaries, which include the Senior Choir, Voices of Faith, Mother Board, Flower Club, and Missionary Society. She also faithfully attended weekly prayer meetings and bible study. On any given day or moment, Juanita could be found humming any one of her favorite hymns. Juanita’s devotion and diligence to serving the church did not falter until her health began to decline. However, her dedication lives in the legacy she created for her descendants. Her loyalty as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother is reflected in the love her family shares. Juanita was employed by Rubber Craft and Bradley Coats in West Haven, Connecticut and worked at Echlin Manufacturing Company in Branford, Connecticut until she retired in 1989. She believed children should know the Lord and raised her children and grandchildren to follow in her footsteps. This Matriarch of the Ratliff Family has raised Ministers, Deacons, Trustees, and a host of musically talented vocalists and instrumentalists. She taught her children and countless others what it meant to learn and apply the Word of God to their daily lives and made sure they were involved in all church activities. Juanita loved the Lord and wanted her children to have their own personal relationships with God. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading the bible, singing hymns, caring for her grand and great-grandchildren and keeping her house tidy. She was known for her southern cooking which her family enjoyed tremendously. Juanita leaves to cherish her memory her sister: Cora Williams, daughters: Reverend Margaret Glover, Elder Mae Jordan, Deacon Nina Williams, Cheryl Thompson (Tony), Denise LaBoone, Vera Ratliff, Geraldine Sonia (Jerome), Patricia McCall (David) and Sylvia Hagans, and sons: James Ratliff and Jesse Ratliff (Yolanda). She also leaves twenty-four devoted and loyal grandchildren: Roosevelt Downing (Woodrina), Kevin Downing, Gregory Downing, Michael Downing, Joseph Downing, Tracy Aklin (Matthew), David Glover, Keith Jordan (Nancy), Gary Jordan (Tima), Eric Jordan, Rashida Nyob, Antwan Dolphin (Danny), Charlie Keen, Andrea Keen-Daniels (Lloyd), Kenneth Reddick, Minister Tynema Highsmith (Eric), David Pringle (Stacy), Latrese Pringle, Lamar Weaver, Tyrese Weaver, Jawan Hagans, Jordan Ratliff, Devante Ratliff and Jaden Ratliff; thirty-seven great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years: James Ratliff, daughter: Margie Downing; brothers: Joe Myers and J.B. Myers, sister: Claudia Pue; grandson: James Ratliff; and great-grandsons: Danny Dolphin III and Marquis Knight. There were many passages of the Bible that Juanita knew and loved, but her favorite scriptures were 1 Psalms, 23 Psalms, and Matthew 6:9-13. While she gave those who knew her many words of wisdom, she is remembered for singing her favorite songs “Look Where He Brought Me From” and “I Found the Lord One Day”.

Juanita Ratliff

February 15, 1926 - January 28, 2023