Elsie Smith Ratcliffe "Kitty"

She was born on August 8, 1929 in Cumberland County, NC, the daughter of the late Percy Harrison Smith and Annie Jane Lee Smith. Also remembered are two sisters, Mary Louise Smith Collier and Thelma Dorothy Smith Lewis, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Ratcliffe is survived by her husband, Charles Edward Ratcliffe; three children, Dennis Carter and wife Pat of Charlotte, NC, Sheila Walker of Wilmington, and Randall Carter and wife Cynthia of Matthews, NC; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Henry Hartzell Smith.

Kitty was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She owned and operated Kitty’s Hairstyling from 1962 – 2014. She was a volunteer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the Cape Fear Museum. One of her greatest pleasures was traveling with her husband Charles. Kitty also loved to write poetry, enjoyed gardening, sewing, and even learned to play the piano at the age of 70.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 13, 2018 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel with Dr. Donnie Lovette officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm prior to the service. A private family burial will follow services in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Carter, Randall Carter, Daniel Carter, Jameson Carter, Stephen Carter and Hunter Carter.

Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Life Care Center, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com