Regina Duncan Ratterree

ROCK HILL – Kathryn Regina Duncan Ratterree, 79, passed away Friday, October 11, 2019. She was born June 25, 1940 in Rich Creek, VA to Robert Carl and Melva Katherine Okes Duncan. At the age of 7, she moved with her family to Rock Hill, where she lived and graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1958. She then graduated from Winthrop University in 1962 with a BA in Psychology and Economics. She met her husband of 51 years, Julian Aiken Ratterree, in the summer of 1961 at a cafeteria that was between their respective places of employment. They became engaged in the spring of 1962, where Julian gave Regina his mother’s ring. They moved to Columbia in August of 1962, marrying on August 25.

Regina began her career at the State Hospital as a counselor in 1962. Three years later, she transferred to the SC Employment Security Commission. Regina reenrolled at Winthrop University in the summer of 1967 to earn her MA Degree in Counseling. She graduated in August 1968, with a toddler in tow. She worked for 13 years in the local offices as an employment counselor in Columbia and Rock Hill. She also worked as a project coordinator for several employment training programs funded primarily by the US Dept. of Labor: Employment Counseling; Services to special applicant groups like youth, senior citizens, and the disabled. She also headed the Dislocated Worker Program, Alien Labor Certification, and Work Opportunity Tax Credits, as well as coordinating the SC Network under the ADA. She retired in December of 2005, having over 40 years of service to the state of SC.

Regina served the Episcopal Church faithfully and loyally. During her many years of service to the Episcopal Diocese of Upper SC, she served as Diocesan Convention Secretary and Deputy to General Convention. She served on a number of commissions and committees, the Diocesan Churchwoman President of Episcopal Dioceses of Upper South Carolina, and most notably as the International President of the United Thank Offering.

Regina spent her whole life serving others at local, diocesan, national and international levels, tirelessly and graciously. She was awarded the Order of the Palmetto on September 29, 2019, surrounded by family and friends.

Predeceased by her parents and her husband, Regina is survived by her loving sons, Julian Aiken “Jay” Ratterree, Jr. and Robert Carl “Rock” Ratterree; grandchildren, Tyler, Brandon and Anna; siblings, Roberta Wolfe, Hon. David Duncan (Danelle), Sharon Smith (Ferrel), and Karen Craig (Vernon); brother-in-law, Hulic Ratterree (Nancy); 4 nephews; 6 nieces; and a multitude of loving friends from around the world.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall of All Saints Episcopal Church, 1001 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. An interment of ashes will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Episcopal Church of Our Savior, 144 Caldwell Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

In lieu of flowers, Regina has asked that memorials be made to All Saints Church in Cayce, SC, or to a charity of your choice.