Essie Mcneil

Essie Bell Ratliff McNeil, the daughter of the late Gaines B. Ratliff and

Laura E. Ratliff, was born in Lilesville, North Carolina on August 30, 1935.

She departed her life on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Summerstone

Health and Rehabilitation Center in Kernersville, NC.

She attended the public school of Anson County, NC.  She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Centenary A. M. E. Zion Church of Lilesville, NC.

She moved to High Point and join The Spiritual Light Gospel singers and travel up and down the road singing at different churches. She was employed in the Hosiery Industry and Boy and Girls Club.

Preceded in death by her late husband of over 40 years Liston McNeill, her three brothers, Brandy Ratliff, Cleveland Ratliff and Willie James Ratliff. Four

Sisters, Ollie Ingram, Jennie Mae Ratliff, Ethel Hooker and Catherine Rivers.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: one son, Larry C. Ratliff of Greensboro, NC; one grandson, Antonio D. Richardson of Greensboro, NC; foster daughter, Della Comer of Florence, SC; five great-grandchildren; Tony, Monah, Tahki, Isis, and Khyson; sisters-in-law, Rebecca Ratliff of Boydton, VA, Katie McNeil of High Point, NC, Nina McNeil and Mary L. McNeil both of Lakeview, SC, and Frances McNeil of Greenville, SC and a host of adoring nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends all of whom she loved in a special.

Essie Ratliff was known for her beautiful voice, which is the most important part of her life, that was a joy to hear.