Mildred Ratliff was the third beautiful daughter of the late Eddie B. and Pearlie Mae Watson Ratliff. Her birth brought much more love and joy to the family which began April 24, 1944.

Her early years were spent bonding with the older sisters, Mary and Marion. At an early age, Mildred joined Parson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lilesville, NC. As a member, she expressed her love of Christ through song. A church member, her uncle, provided the opportunity for other young ones to sing songs of praise with a choir named, The Glorious Team. Mildred played a major part in the success of the group.

Mildred was very talented and creative. She loved music, dancing and creating fashion styles and designs. Her ability to match and mix colors was amazing. She was known for being a sharp dresser and was a beautiful person inside and outside. Her infectious smile could lift up a room.

Education was very important to her parents therefore Mildred knew she had to follow the path of her two older sisters. She graduated from J.R. Faison High School in 1961 and furthered her education at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC. With her excellent stenography and business management skills, she gained employment in the business office at Howard University in Washington, DC. She continued employment with Howard from 1967-1991.

Mildred passed away peacefully Saturday, on September 3, at home with her family at her side. Her illness became stronger than her will to live.

She leaves to cherish her everlasting memories, three sisters: Mary E. Lindsey, Wadesboro, NC; Eddie M. Gordon, Richmond, VA; Hazel R. Gatewood (Julius), Charlotte, NC. There are five nephews that will dearly miss her: Geoffrey G. Gordon (Panina), Dunwoody, GA; Giovanni G. Gordon (Terry), Chesterfield, VA; Gunther G. Gordon, Decatur, GA; Garry G. Gordon, Homestead, FL; Travis O. Gatewood, Charlotte, NC. Two nieces that greatly loved her, Gia G. Grady (Robert), Waldorf, MD; Tanaia O. Gatewood-Johnson (Jomere), Charlotte, NC. The love continues from her three grandnephews: Anthony D. Grady, Dallas A. Miller and Jon-Ethan Johnson. Three lovely grandnieces: Ciarra N. Grady, Gianna A. Gordon and Arianna S. Gordon have an open space in their hearts for her.

Mildred was loved very much by her family and friends. She will truly be missed. We look forward to seeing her again with her beautiful smile and warm personality in the Paradise promised in the Bible.

A Memorial Service to Honor Ms. Ratliff will be on Saturday, September 24, 2022, 11:30am, in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The Ratliff Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11:00-11:30am.