Deborah Louisa Ratliff was born on July 11, 1951 in St. Louis. She was the only child of Arthur Odell Martin and Velma Louise Martin. Her grandmother, Polly Jefferson affectionately known as “Nanny,” was a major influence in her life.
She grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Lutheran High School North. Deborah obtained her nursing certificate from St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing. She then received her undergraduate and masters degrees from Saint Louis University. She went on to obtain a Nurse Practitioners Certification in Oncology from Saint Louis University.
Harry and Deborah were joined in holy matrimony on August 10, 1974. They shared 34 years of marriage. The union was blessed with two wonderful children; a son, Geoffrey Byron Ratliff and a daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Ratliff.
Deborah was a nurse in the Bone Marrow Transplant Units at Washington University and Saint Louis University Medical School. She later was an educational specialist with Amgen Corporation. She was also an oncology nurse practitioner in a private medical practice and a lecturer. Most recently, she was a clinical instructor for the Chamberlain School of Nursing.
Her life was a testament to her belief in God, her dedication to the vocation of nursing and her devotion to her family and friends. She was an active member of St. Phillips Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school. She was also well regarded in the field of nursing and highly sought after because of her ability to nurture and teach.
Deborah was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Advanced Practice Nursing Association, Board Member of the Nurse’s Association and a member of Jack & Jill Associates Group. Her charity of choice was Second Wind of St. Louis.
Deborah departed this life on Thursday, September 25, 2008. She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur O. Martin.
She has left to cherish her memories: a loving husband, Harry K. Ratliff, a son Geoffrey B. Ratliff (Jasmine Hall Ratliff), a daughter, Jennifer E. Ratliff, her mother, Velma L. Martin, her half brother Charles Martin and a host of loving relatives and friends.
Her funeral is Thursday, October 2 at 10 am at St. Phillips Lutheran Church. The Repast is immediately following the service.