Ashley R.
Willie Pearl Williams (née Ratliff), age 90, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, in South San Francisco, California. Born on January 3, 1935, in Rocky Springs, North Carolina, she was the youngest of twelve children and the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Willie’s early years were marked by a steadfast commitment to education and personal advancement. She attended Cedar Green School and Booker T. Washington School in Augusta County—now present-day Staunton, Virginia—where she became the first member of her family to graduate from high school. Determined to continue her education, Willie moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended college and proudly graduated in 1956.
Her professional journey began with the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C., where she served with dedication and integrity. Later, she relocated to San Francisco, California, where she continued her career in public service with the City and County of San Francisco until her retirement. Throughout her career, Willie exemplified diligence and professionalism.
Though Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Thomas Ratliff and Willie Diggs Ratliff; sisters Margaret Ratliff-Terry, Lucille Ratliff-Lucas, Dorothy Luvenia Ratliff-Brown, Claudia Ratliff, and Walena Ratliff; and brothers Walter Thomas Ratliff Jr., Melvin Ratliff, Graham Stephen Ratliff, Rapheal Garfield Ratliff, C.R. Lee Ratliff Sr., and Cecil Ratliff Sr., her legacy continues through those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by special nieces Ida Ratliff-Williams and Abigale Ratliff-Lewis; nephews Andrew Ratliff, Odell Terry, and Bruce Wheaton; as well as great-niece Ashley Ratliff and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Their lives have been enriched by Willie’s presence and enduring example.
Willie Pearl Williams leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, service, and quiet strength. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
Special thanks to Capra House Care Home in South San Francisco, California, Florence Yu and Andrea Leung.
Willie’s early years were marked by a steadfast commitment to education and personal advancement. She attended Cedar Green School and Booker T. Washington School in Augusta County—now present-day Staunton, Virginia—where she became the first member of her family to graduate from high school. Determined to continue her education, Willie moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended college and proudly graduated in 1956.
Her professional journey began with the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C., where she served with dedication and integrity. Later, she relocated to San Francisco, California, where she continued her career in public service with the City and County of San Francisco until her retirement. Throughout her career, Willie exemplified diligence and professionalism.
Though Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Thomas Ratliff and Willie Diggs Ratliff; sisters Margaret Ratliff-Terry, Lucille Ratliff-Lucas, Dorothy Luvenia Ratliff-Brown, Claudia Ratliff, and Walena Ratliff; and brothers Walter Thomas Ratliff Jr., Melvin Ratliff, Graham Stephen Ratliff, Rapheal Garfield Ratliff, C.R. Lee Ratliff Sr., and Cecil Ratliff Sr., her legacy continues through those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by special nieces Ida Ratliff-Williams and Abigale Ratliff-Lewis; nephews Andrew Ratliff, Odell Terry, and Bruce Wheaton; as well as great-niece Ashley Ratliff and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Their lives have been enriched by Willie’s presence and enduring example.
Willie Pearl Williams leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, service, and quiet strength. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
Special thanks to Capra House Care Home in South San Francisco, California, Florence Yu and Andrea Leung.
