Bobbie Jean Lovelady

Bobbie Jean Ratliff Lovelady, 75, of Springfield, Illinois, died at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at St. Johns Hospital. Bobbie was born on July 29, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi, the daughter of Joseph and Allie Collins Ratliff. She married Leorn Lovelady on July 27, 1963. To this union was born two sons, Joseph Arnold (Atlanta, GA) and David Leorn Cora (Columbia, MO). Bobbie earned a bachelors degree from Jackson State University and a masters degree in education from Sangamon State/Illinois State University. She was a teacher for over 30 years until her retirement, after which she continued to work five days a week as a permanent substitute teacher. Those who knew Bobbie, knew that the instruction didnt stop at the dismissal bell each day. She was the ultimate teacher. Whether she was showing her boys how to cook and iron, visiting museums and exhibits, or instilling invaluable life lessonsrespect for others, the value of hard work, helping those less fortunateBobbie always led by example. She never missed an opportunity to turn an experience into a teachable moment. Early on, when her boys were young, her summers were filled with a house full of sweet, energetic nieces from Mississippi. Bobbie invited them to live with her and gave them the opportunity to learn the value of a summer job and the importance of a strong work ethic. Later in life, her world became all about her grandbabies; the apples of her eye. She and Leorn attended every possible birthday party, baseball game, school function and dance recital that they could, beaming with pride the entire time. For weeks following each event, in her words, she would, "tell anyone about it who would listen." And after each event, the children would receive thank you notes from HER expressing how happy she was to attend and how proud she was of them. When she wasnt with her grandbabies, Bobbie could be found with her best friend, Dr. Cora Benson, at the Alton Belle Casino where the employees affectionately greeted her by name. Her favorite perch was at the penny slots machine with a cold Budweiser in hand. In July 2013, she and Leorn renewed their wedding vows on their Golden 50th Anniversary. Leorn was the love of her life, her true soulmate. Their love and devotion to one another was the purest definition of what marriage should be. Their example set a standard that we will all aspire to achieve. Bobbie was a beautiful ray of light and the nucleus of our family. Her kind, generous heart and selfless approach to life will remain the keystones of our family forever. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Christia (Tee) Ratliff Hudson, Douglas Ratliff, Betty Jo Ratliff Moncure, Robert (Rip) Ratliff, Berenice Ratliff Cottrell, and June Anna Ratliff. She is survived by her husband, Leorn, of Springfield; sons, Joseph (Deidre) Lovelady of Atlanta, GA and David (Amy) Lovelady of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Sia Crowder, Malik Lovelady, Jabril Lovelady, Tyler Lovelady, and Jamari Lovelady, all of Atlanta, GA and Kingston Lovelady and Laila Lovelady of Columbia, MO; and life-long best friend, Dr. Cora Benson of Springfield, IL. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Zion Baptist Church, 1601 E. Laurel, Springfield, with Rev. Silas Johnson of Calvary Baptist officiating. Repast immediately following at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 2208 East Kansas, Springfield IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "The Bobbie Ratliff Lovelady Scholarship Fund" in person or via mail: c/o Amy Lovelady, 1913 Surrey Court, Columbia MO 65203; or via Venmo: @Bobbie-Scholarship.