Laura Mae Ratliff
December 20, 1924 – January 7, 2021
“With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
Psalms 91:16
Mrs. Laura Mae Ratliff, age 96, transitioned peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Anson Health and Rehabilitation, Wadesboro NC, where she was a resident since 2018.
A native of Lilesville, NC, she was the daughter of Judge & Louise Terry Bennett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, son James Thomas, and three sisters and four brothers.
A dedicated, lifelong member of Centenary AME Zion Church, Lilesville, NC where she served faithfully for many years as a choir member, usher board, deaconess, and various boards within the church.
Early in life, Laura’s perseverance, work ethic, buoyed her family during life’s toughest moments. She entered into a business partnership, owning a bus that took workers to the peach orchards. She later took jobs working at Ambassador Nursing home, and retired from Wade Mill, Wadesboro, NC.
She was a devoted mother, and supportive grandmother to eight grandchildren, Dwayne (Antavia) of Charlotte, NC, Heather of Waldorf, Md, Craig & Gayle of Wilmington, NC, Valerie, Vanessa, &Virgil*, of Wadesboro, N.C, Victor of Cheraw, SC and several great grandchildren.
She was present in the lives of her children, grandchildren and family members. In 1991, she hosted the Bennett family reunion in her hometown.
She remained strong through health challenges leaning on her faith and her family, especially her son Alfredell.
She is survived by her son Afredell of the home, two daughters Shirley Cherry (Marshall) of Charlotte, NC, Lucille Moore (Ralph) of Wilmington, NC and two sisters, Mozell Bennett, New York, NY, and Elsie Gaines, Huntsville, Alabama.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ….. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
There will be a public viewing from 11:00am until 12:00pm Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Leavitt Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be at 1:00pm Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Centenary AME Zion Church Cemetery in Lilesville. The service will be streamed on Facebook Live on Leavitt Funeral Home's page.
Due to the continued COVID-19 risks, we ask that you practice social distancing at all times. The family would like for all attending the service to please wear a face covering.
