Thelma A Ratliff

Thelma A. Ratliff, 85, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022, with family at her side, following her year-long battle with cancer. Born May 3, 1937, in Mercer County, West Virginia, she was the eldest daughter of the late, Kenna Orval Amick and Thressie Lilly Amick. She was preceded in death by four of her siblings, James Lilly, Paul Amick, Thressie June Amick, and Coleen Belcher, and is survived by two of her siblings, Pat Amick (Melba) and Kathy Matherly (Jarrell).
She is also survived by her children, Terri Batton (Mark), Marty Ratliff (Lisa), Bobby Ratliff (Kim), and Lolli Morris (Harry). She was blessed to have five grandchildren, Nikki Jackson (Daniel), Adam Jackson (Jessica), Sydnee Jackson (Alex), Jacklyn Atkins (Kyle), and Krista Ratliff; and three great-grandchildren, Izaiah, Samaya, and Lincoln. Her extended family consisted of many nieces and nephews, several of whom she helped mentor and raise through the years, including but not limited to, Rusty Wells and Jeff Ratliff; and her brother-in-law, Charlie Belcher; all of whom only strengthened her love of family. Her ex-husband, J.C. Ratliff also held a special place in her heart.
Thelma went by several (nick)names, some of her family, including parents and siblings, called her by her middle name, Athleen or "Thleen;" many called her "Amy"; grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew her as "Mamaw," "Mum," and "Mumsy;" and her adult children coined the name "Three Cent" because she always liked to throw in more than two cents when it came to opinions or advice.
Thelma graduated early from high school and attended Concord College in Mercer County, West Virginia, where she earned a teaching degree in math and biology. She taught school for a couple of years but found her true calling in social work. Her career spanned over 35 years in that field, and she had been retired for over 20 years. She loved people and loved helping people from all walks of life. She was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for family and friends, as well as just spending time with her family and friends. She especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved to play scrabble and watch golf. She was and is loved by many and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and will be officiated by her brother, Pat Amick, and brother-in-law, Charlie Belcher. Following the service, the family will receive friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to Hopewell's Food Pantry at 903 W. City Point Road, Hopewell, VA 23860 or The Clothing Place at 201 E. Broadway, Hopewell, VA 23860. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorris.com .