Mary Elaine Ratterree

After a long and full life, on July 16, 2024, at age 83, Mary Elaine Ratterree passed from this world to her new home in God’s Kingdom. Mary Elaine was born in Macon, Georgia on January 11, 1941. As a small child, she lived with her parents and brother in Orlando, Florida. Mary Elaine was becoming a fiercely independent and inquisitive child, however, and with this in mind, her parents moved their family to the nearby small town of Kissimmee. Mary Elaine often shared stories about growing up in a small town, orange groves in her backyard and even riding her horse downtown. Never far from her roots, she spoke of enjoying summers and holidays in Georgia.

Mary Elaine and her family were active members of First Baptist Church of Kissimmee. At church, she caught the eye of her future husband, Damon, who was the preacher’s son. Their relationship grew, and they were married in September of 1960. After marrying, they chose Jacksonville, Florida as their home. Here their family grew with the addition of three children.

Mary Elaine deeply loved her family and friends. She took pride in her children & grandchildren, and delighted in telling others the number of great-grandchildren she had. One of her favorite activities was going on road trip adventures with close friends. And we will not forget her love of coffee and dislike of cooking.

Mary Elaine never lost her sense of independence and will be recalled as a little spitfire. She treated everyone as her own, and, out of love, would not hesitate to tell you what to do & how to do it. Conversely, Mary Elaine will be remembered for going out of her way to help family & friends and always considering others’ needs before her own.

Mary Elaine is predeceased by her parents Hewen and Mary Lasseter, her brother Victor Lasseter, and her adored aunt Eddith Montgomery.

Mary Elaine is survived by Damon, her husband of 64 years, her children Melissa Bosch (Larry), Damon Ratterree Jr. (Sandy) & Pamela Hicks (Adam), her grandchildren Damon, Aaron, Erica, Edward, Baylee, Joshua, Jack & Grace, along with seven great-grandchildren.

Please join us in celebrating Mary Elain’s life on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Italian American Club.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary Elain’s memory to Community Hospice & Palliative Care or to a charity of your choice.