Sara M. "Sally" Ratcliff

Sara Alice “Sally” Morgan Ratcliff went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 14, 2022, at the age of 69.  She was born in Greenwood, Mississippi to Sara Elizabeth” Betty” Simmons Morgan and James Cunningham Morgan Jr. on April 8, 1953.

She was a 1971 graduate of Pillow Academy in Greenwood and was the Salutatorian and Homecoming Queen her senior year. Sally and her classmates celebrated the coronation that night by dancing to her theme song “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett.  The following year she made her debut and became a member of the Southern Debutante Assembly.

She continued her studies at Mississippi State University where she majored in elementary education., was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, a PI Kappa Alpha Little Sister, and a Sigma Chi Little Sister.

Following graduation from Mississippi State in May 1975, she spent her early teaching years in Lumberton Elementary School, Lumberton MS., and Brown Elementary School in Jackson.  

Sally married Charles Davis Ratcliff on February 7, 1981, and moved to Canton, MS.  She continued her career at Canton Academy, where she taught fifth grade for over 35 years. She was an ardent supporter of the Canton Academy Panthers and was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2000.  Her students looked forward to her class, and many of them say they can still quote the cleaver riddles, rhymes, and phrases she taught them to help with memorization.

Sally had an adventurous spirit, admired the outdoors, and looked forward to entertaining friends and family at the camp at Nine Mile Lake. She also enjoyed riding four wheelers, fishing for red fish in the Louisiana marshes near LaFitte and taking trips to the beach with her friends.  An avid Mississippi State fan, she finally witnessed the Bulldog baseball team win it all in the 2021 College World Series.

Sally was preceded in death by her father, James Cunningham Morgan Jr. She is survived by her husband, Charles, son, Dr. Charles David Ratcliff (Jessica) of Madison and daughter, Sara Elizabeth Ratcliff Hayes (Hunter) of Decatur, MS, mother, Sara Elizabeth Simmons Morgan of Greenwood, sister, Jean Elizabeth Morgan Bush (Glen), of Jackson, MS, and brothers, James Cunningham “Buddy” Morgan III (Annette) of Morgan City, MS, and David Higdon Morgan (Theresa) of Madison, MS.

She will always be remembered for her love of the Lord and her love for her family.  “Sal” especially treasured time spent with her precious grandchildren Charles David “Chip” Ratcliff, Sara Alice Ratcliff and Mary Claire Ratcliff of Madison and Hunter “Hunt” Thomas Hayes, Jr., and James Davis Hayes of Decatur, Mississippi.

The family wishes to especially thank all the nurses and caregivers who have attended Sally for the last few months at Seasons Assisted Living Facility and Kindred Hospice.

Visitation will be held at Breeland Funeral Home on September 18, 2022, from 3-5 p.m. and at 10 a.m. on September 19, with the celebration of life service following at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Canton, MS. A private family graveside service will be held afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Canton Academy, 1 Nancy Drive, Canton, MS.39046 or First Baptist Church, 125 East Fulton Street, Canton, Ms. 39046.

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