Jewell G. Ratliff

RATLIFF Jewell G.,of Richmond, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016. She is survived by a very special foster son, Rex V. Hawley, whom she came to know during his attendance at the University of Richmond. She is also survived by many loving friends and neighbors who became her extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Leland Grobb; and her beloved husband of 62 years, Earl G. Ratliff. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Portsmouth, Va., in 1946 at the age of 16 years. She immediately went to work for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company (Verizon) and retired after 36 and a half years. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, serving as president for the Richmond Chapter and for the State of Virginia region. She and Earl were well traveled, visiting many places overseas, Canada and across the United States. She was a 60-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving six terms as Worthy Matron. During this time, she was a member of the Hanover, Tuckahoe and Glen Allen Chapters of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a 25-year member of the Commonwealth Women's Club. Other civic memberships include the Cheswick Walking Club, Travelers Protection Assoc. and Elks Club #45 Ladies Auxiliary, serving as president for two terms. The Ratliffs were very active in the University of Richmond activities (Earl's Alma Mater) and were members of the Spiders Club. They fostered many young men during their attendance at U of R by providing a home away from home for them and their families. They attended church services together and provided other day-to-day assistance. Jewell had been a member of Ridge Baptist Church since 1957, where she was a member of their Senior Toppers. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. The service will follow beginning at 11 a.m., followed by an Eastern Star Memorial Service. Interment will be private. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.