Ellen McLeod (Ratliff) Adams

UPDATE:

Please note the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Adams have been rescheduled for Monday morning, October 14, 2024, at 11:00 o'clock at the Blackshear First United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10 until 11.
 

Mrs. Ellen McLeod Ratliff Highsmith Adams, 99, of Saint Simons Island, formerly of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, September 24, 2024, at Magnolia Manor Senior Living on Saint Simons Island.

Born on October 7, 1924, in Blackshear, GA, she was the daughter of the late Alvin & Ellen McIntosh Ratliff.  She graduated from Blackshear High School in 1943.  Later she joined the United States Navy and was chosen to participate in the “singing Platoon” which entertained the troops during World War II.

In 1950 she married Robert W. Highsmith and became a wife, mother, and homemaker.  She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackshear and was the oldest living member for many years.  She enjoyed being a community volunteer, especially delivering for “Meals on Wheels.” 

She loved to cook and entertain her family and friends in the “Southern Style.”  She was the last living member of the original Blackshear Supper Club established in 1960.

She worked at the Peoples Bank and retired in 1986.  She became the “first lady” of Blackshear for ten years as the wife of Mayor Harry G. Adams.  In 2007, she moved to Saint Simons Island and resided there until her death.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert W. Highsmith; second husband, Harry G. Adams; daughter, Evelyn Katherine; infant daughter, Rebecca Ann; sister, Ruth R. Hawkins; and brothers, Alvin M. Ratliff and Richard Ratliff.

Survivors include her daughter, Deborah H. Walker, husband Mike; 3 granddaughters, Shelley Young, husband Gavin, Stacey Hunter, husband Jed, and Brooke Martin; 5 great grandchildren, Walker Young, Eva Kate Martin, Wilkes Martin, Ellen Hunter, and Caroline Hunter; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Adams will be held Monday morning, October 14, 2024, at 11:00 o'clock from the Blackshear First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Murray and Mrs. Deborah Walker officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be her grandsons, Gavin Young, Jed Hunter, Walker Young, Wilkes Martin, and Ron Adams.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the Pierce County Food Pantry, 713A Hendry Street, Blackshear, GA  31516, Hearth Hospice, 208 Scranton Connector, Brunswick, GA  31525, or to One for Israel, 2405 Mustang Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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