Mary Elizabeth Burney Ratcliff

Mary Elizabeth Burney was born April 30, 1928 to Thompson Gus Burney and Mae Charles Burney in Troy, Alabama. She had a devoted brother, Lapel Charles Burney who preceded her in death.

Mary was educated in the public school system of Pike County and graduated valedictorian from Troy High School. She was born and raised in Troy and baptized at the First Missionary Baptist Church. She matriculated to Tuskegee Institute and majored in Institution Management, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950.

On September 1, 1951, Mary Elizabeth Burney married Frederick Ratcliff of New Orleans, Louisiana. To this union four children were born.   Dallas, Texas was home for most of her adult life where she worked for 25 years at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Mary E. Ratcliff, R.D., L.D., held the position of Assistant Director of Dietetic Services.

For more than a decade Mary was a faithful member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship where Dr. Tony Evans is the senior pastor. Unconditionally generous and meticulous, she was devoted to the nursery and housekeeping ministries.

In 1997, Mary Elizabeth Ratcliff moved to Brundidge, Alabama, and in 1998 joined Dothan Community Church (DCC) in Dothan, Alabama under the leadership of Dr. W. Charles Lewis. At DCC she continued her work in the nursery and joined the Women’s ministry. She also served as the surrogate grandmother to the McFarland family, and as an unofficial church historian.

She had a love and passion for plants, flowers, nature, composting and landscaping. She created and shared her gift of making floral pots with many people. An avid reader, Mary also enjoyed playing the piano and shopping.

Most importantly, Mary Elizabeth Burney Ratcliff was an authentic lady who loved and treasured her family. She leaves to cherish her memories; a son Darryl Ratcliff (Joyce) of DeSoto, TX; three daughters; Fredna Brooks-Martin of Plano TX; Judy Fullylove (John) of Sherman, TX and Geneine Ratcliff of Washington D.C.; five grandsons Brandon K. Ratcliff; Darryl F. Ratcliff II, David F. Ratcliff and Wiley H. Brooks-Martin, Jr. all of Dallas, TX; Andrew C. Ratcliff of Washington, DC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mary Elizabeth Burney Ratcliff will be held at the Dothan Community Church at Westgate Parkway in Dothan, Alabama on Nov. 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Harrison Funeral Home directing.