Patricia Sparkman Ratcliff, 79 - Teacher -

Lakeland – Patricia S. Ratcliff died on December 13, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis.
 She was very proud of her family heritage. She was a descendent of Florida Pioneers Stephen L. Sparkman and Simeon L. Sparkman, who voted in the first state election in 1845.
 She was born in Bartow and was a resident of Polk County until her death. A graduate of Mulberry High School and Erskine College, she taught in the Polk County School System for 38 years. A charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an International Honorary Teacher’s Sorority, Polk County Historical Society, Imperial Polk County Genealogical Society, East Hillsborough Historical Society, Crystal Lake United Methodist Church and before her illness, a member of Retired Teacher’s Association.
 She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren “Ted” Ratcliff, parents, Clifford and Esther Sparkman, brother, Billy Sparkman, sister, Marjorie Kennedy, and nephews, Bob Kennedy and Bill Sparkman.
 She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Jones of Lakeland, son, Warren “Teddy” Ratcliff (Jennifer), grandsons, Timothy and Tyler Jones, nieces, Jan Chambers and Jeanne Miller, nephews, Kelly Kennedy, Jon and Thomas Sparkman.

Visitation was be held at Heath Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 from, and a graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Oak Hill Burial Park.