Carolyn Jean (Lee) Ratliff Obituary

Carolyn Jean (Lee) Ratliff attended Indian River High School in Chesapeake, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Carolyn Jean (lee) Ratliff.

Graduation Year	Class of 1972
Date of Passing	Oct 27, 2024
About	Carolyn Jean Ratliff, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024 in Meriden, Connecticut after battling Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease for eight years. She was born on October 9, 1956 in Mt. Olive, North Carolina and lived a full and happy life of 68 years. Carolyn's mom Mary Alice Tadlock Lee, her dad Paul Edward Lee, her sister Kay Elizabeth Rose, and brothers Charles Edward Lee, Johnny Paul Lee, and Bobby Ray Lee preceded her in death. Carolyn's daughter Melissa Kay Harris, granddaughter, Alexis Marie Harris, son William Nicholas Ratliff, granddaughter Christiana Marie Adams, and grandson Karson Wade Ratliff survive her. In addition, Carolyn leaves behind several sisters in laws, brother in laws, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Carolyn grew up near the oceanfront in Ocean View in Norfolk, Virginia. She enjoyed spending time at the Ocean View Amusement Park with her best friend Marlene. She graduated from Indian River High School, and married the love of her life, William Owen Ratliff on February 12, 1973. She chose to stay at home with her children for several years before she went on to pursue her dream career in the field of nursing. She spent many years working as a Licensed Practical Nurse on the floor of skilled nursing facilities in Chesapeake Virginia, ending her nursing career after 16 years at Avery Heights in Hartford, Connecticut. Carolyn was frequently referred to as the Energizer Bunny at work as she rarely sat still and was always on the move. She was the kind of nurse that would spend her breaks visiting with residents. In her free time, she volunteered at the Connecticut Humane Society. Carolyn loved animals, music, dancing, and spending time with her children, and grandchildren. She was incredibly kind hearted and gave generously to church and charities even when she did not have much to give. Carolyn brought the light into any room she walked into. She was sweet and a little bit feisty and could banter back and forth with the best of them. Carolyn's faith in God was unwavering; she spent many hours praying and attending church with her family. A Mass of the Christian Burial for Carolyn will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11am at St. Matthew Catholic Church at 3314 Sandra Lane in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The mass will be followed by committal rites at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens where she will be laid to rest in the Garden of the 10 Commandments at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia. A celebration of life reception for Carolyn's family and friends will follow at St. Matthew Catholic Church at 3314 Sandra Lane in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Carolyn to the Connecticut Humane Society at 701 Russell Road, Newington, Connecticut 06111 or to the Alzheimer's Association by going online to alz.org. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com