Patricia S. Ratcliff

Patricia Sparkman Ratcliff, 79 Teacher Lakeland " Patricia S. Ratcliff died on December 13, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis. She was very proud of her family heritage. She was a descendent of Florida Pioneers Stephen L. Sparkman and Simeon L. Sparkman, who voted in the first state election in 1845. She was born in Bartow and was a resident of Polk County until her death. A graduate of Mulberry High School and Erskine College, she taught in the Polk County School System for 38 years. A charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an International Honorary Teacher""s Sorority, Polk County Historical Society, Imperial Polk County Genealogical Society, East Hillsborough Historical Society, Crystal Lake United Methodist Church and before her illness, a member of Retired Teacher""s Association. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren ""Ted"" Ratcliff, parents, Clifford and Esther Sparkman, brother, Billy Sparkman, sister, Marjorie Kennedy, and nephews, Bob Kennedy and Bill Sparkman. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Jones of Lakeland, son, Warren ""Teddy"" Ratcliff (Jennifer), grandsons, Timothy and Tyler Jones, nieces, Jan Chambers and Jeanne Miller, nephews, Kelly Kennedy, Jon and Thomas Sparkman. Visitation will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 from 6-8 PM and a graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Oak Hill Burial Park at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fidelis Rho Chapter at Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship Fund in care of Marlene Pitts and Retired Polk County Educators in care of Robert Fields or any charity of your choice. Service: 12/18/2011 Oak Hill Burial Park 4620 U.S. Highway 98 South, Lakeland, Florida Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 12/17/2011 Heath Funeral Chapel