With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the incredible life of Cheryl Ann Ratcliffe, who peacefully entered the arms of her Heavenly Father on April 2, 2025, at age 78. Born on March 10, 1947, in Delaware to Alfred Marshall Blakeney and Anne Elizabeth, Cheryl's life was a testament to faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and the Lord.
Cheryl found her soulmate in Thomas Kelly Ratcliffe, and together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their journey led them from Delaware to Mississippi, where they raised their three children and created a home centered on warmth, generosity, and devotion to God.
A true Proverbs 31 woman, Cheryl lived with a heart full of compassion, always seeking to uplift others with her words, prayers, and acts of kindness. She had a gift for encouragement and was a beacon of peace and love to all who knew her. Whether through heartfelt letters, sweet ‘happies,’ or her dedicated ministry, she made sure everyone felt cherished.
Her creativity and talent shone in everything she did. Cheryl was an anointed writer, penning The Whisperings of the Lord and the children’s book Jesus ‘cause Why?, as well as inspiring church plays. Her passion for ministry extended into puppet and clown performances for children, her work as a beloved teacher at Claudia’s Daycare, and most importantly, as a devoted prayer warrior. She faithfully covered her family, friends, and even strangers in prayer, leaving a spiritual legacy that will continue for generations.
Cheryl’s love extended far and wide through the beautiful, handmade gifts she created. Her crocheted afghans, Christmas decorations, and countless bracelets carried messages of Jesus’s love worldwide. She often called herself the Stay-at-Home Missionary, knowing that her prayers and crafts touched lives near and far.
Cheryl’s greatest joy was her family, whom she adored and nurtured with her boundless love. Her children survive her, David Ratcliffe (Connie), Mark Ratcliffe (Trish), and Benancio Moreno III; her cherished grandchildren, Christian, William, Rachel, Nicholas, Lydia (Mike), Mark Thomas (Hannah), Nichole (Roy), Trey (Courtney), Kelly (Reid), Ashley (Curtis), Tiffany (Taylor), Ben (Savannah), Mavric, and Cassidy; and great-grandchildren, Annaleigh, Leighton, Lane, Liam, Luke, Guerin, Francisco, Ella, Roman, and Titus. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Dehra, brother-in-law John Stanley, brother-in-law Bill Ratcliffe, sister-in-law Bea Ratcliffe, and a host of nieces, nephews, and grand-dogs and cats who brought her endless joy.
She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Thomas Kelly Ratcliffe; her precious daughter, Elizabeth Moreno; her parents, Alfred and Ann Blakeney; her sister, Carol Stanley; her granddaughter, Mireya; her grandson-in-law, Ryan; and many other loved ones who have gone before her.
Cheryl’s legacy is one of love, faith, and unwavering kindness. She reminded us of the power of a kind word, a heartfelt prayer, and a simple act of love. She lived joyfully, served with grace, and loved with all her heart.
A visitation to honor Cheryl’s life will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A celebration of her beautiful life will occur on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00am.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at St. Dominic’s Hospital for their compassionate care and support during Cheryl’s transition to eternal glory.
Though we will miss her deeply, we rejoice knowing that Cheryl’s spirit lives on in every life she touched. Her faith has become sight, and her love will continue to shine through all those she left behind.
