John "Rip" Fletcher Stratton

JOHN FLETCHER STRATTON, affectionately known as “RIP” was born September 8, 1927 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Clifford Sr. and Ludie Stratton. He was the third born of thirteen children of which six preceded him in death. Esther, Ludie, Clifford Jr., Martin, Ernest and Bernard.

Rip was baptized at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He had a strong relationship with God..

Rip attended Douglas Elementary School where he became known as “the kissing bandit”. He then went on to Wendell Phillips High School, Chicago, Illinois. He later went on to serve his country and was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving in World War II.

Rip was very meticulous and was surely one of the neatest well-dressed “little” men that walked the streets of Chicago. Rip met, fell in love and married Bertha M. Jackson, and to this union one daughter, Felicia Illana was born. He also loved and raised a stepson, Gregory Charles. Bertha preceded him in death in 1976 after which he took on the task of raising his daughter until she grew to become a fine professional woman.

Rip never felt that his daddy duties were anything special, only what he needed to do as a Father. She truly was “daddy’s little girl” and his very own” little heifer”!

Rip joined the workforce and spent many years as a professional tailor, primarily dedicated to women’s apparel because he said “most men were too cheap”. He later became an employee of the United States Postal Service. He remained there for thirty years and retired as a Supervisor in 1985.

Rip had many passions, he continued his love for tailoring, jazz music (of which he had a vast collection), reading, bowling, golf, watching sports on television and simply sitting around talking with family, friends and in particular his Bishop Street neighbors.

Rip transitioned from this life March 28, 2013 at 3:45 P.M.

Rip leaves to cherish his memory: a devoted daughter, Felicia; stepson, Gregory (fiancée – Diana); two sisters, Zelda and Nellie DuFauchard of Littleton, Colorado (Leonard, Sr.); four brothers, Joseph; Artry; William and Isaac (Thelma); a nation of nieces, nephews; great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; and generations of people that Rip called friends!!