Billie Jean Tobias Ratliff's Obituary
Billie Jean Tobias Ratliff, 88, passed away on September 30, 2023, peacefully surrounded by her family.
Born on November 23, 1934, to Ward and Theda Mae Dawkins, Billie Jean was the oldest of nine children- six brothers and two sisters. She attended Messick High School and Memphis State University, where she met and married her first husband James Authur Ganong. She later married James G. Tobias (Toby) who she was married to for 43 years. She was a widow for seven years before she married Barney Ratliff.
Anyone who knew Billie Jean, knew of her love for her children and grandchildren. She spoke of them to everyone she knew. She always treasured family time, but especially loved cooking large meals during the holidays and opening her home to all of her children's friends. Everyone was welcome! Billie Jean and Toby had a passion for sports and were diehard Memphis Tigers fans. For years they never missed a football or basketball game and even traveled out of town to watch the Tigers play. After Toby's passing, Billie Jean continued attending games with her friends.
Billie Jean worked for ICI America Chemical Company for 37 years. She was a devoted and loved member of Highland Church of Christ.. In 2018, she moved to Kirby Pines LifeCare Community to be close to her friends. At Kirby Pines, she volunteered in the Blossom Shop and never missed an opportunity to play cards with her friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, husbands, and grandson Ches Linebarier.
She is survived by her five children Steve Ganong (Celeste), Cheri Ganong Robinson (Johnny), Denise Ganong Linebarier (Chip), Don Ganong (Jo), Angy Tobias Young (Damon), 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and one great grandchild on the way.
A service memorializing the life of Billie Jean Tobias Ratliff will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. in Memphis, TN, at 2:00 p.m on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in the Riverside Chapel. A Memorial Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, our mother would have appreciated any donations in memory of her grandson to:
Ches' Clothes Closet
St. John's United Methodist Church
1207 Peabody Ave.
Memphis, TN. 38104
or
CLEATS 901
205 Leonora Drive
Memphis, TN. 38117
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