Oma Jean Matlock Ratliff

Oma Jean Matlock Ratliff, wife of Brownie Arvis Ratliff for 64 years, mother to their eight children, grandmother to seventeen, and great-grandmother to seven, rose to Heaven on June 17, 2017, at age 83.

She was the fifth of ten children born to Reeder Columbus and Floy Lee Jones Matlock. As a child, she grew up in the Winding Ridge and Morris Chapel communities of Tennessee. Her siblings who have passed are Lovie Matlock Dedrick, R.C. Matlock, E.G. Matlock, J.D. Matlock, Lou Jane Matlock Essary, and Carl Joe Matlock. Surviving siblings are Jerry Wayne Matlock of Selmer, TN, Martha Ann Matlock Rinks, of Savannah, TN, and Charles Ray Matlock of Milledgeville, TN.

She was a talented standout basketball player at the Morris Chapel School. As a teenager she met her soulmate for life, Brownie. When he was discharged from the US Army while stationed in Seattle, WA, he used his discharge pay to purchase a diamond engagement ring, returned to Morris Chapel, and proposed marriage to her. They were married on October 11, 1952. They first lived in the Hookers Bend community, and in 1955, moved to the Morris Chapel community where they were the classic Farm Family -- working hard, raising children, and worshiping God.

Oma Jean was a Farm Wife in the truest form, raising eight children and supporting her husband with farm operations in the Spring planting and Autumn harvest. Not only did she prepare a hardy breakfast, take sandwiches and sweet tea to the family in the fields, and prepare a country supper meal in the evening, she was an vital component of the family farming operation.

She and her family have always enjoyed a deep faith in God, trusting in Jesus, living life to its fullest with the promise of Heaven – where she is now.

She is survived by her husband Brownie of Morris Chapel, TN, and their eight children: Robert (the late Wanda) of Raleigh, NC; Marvin (Cheryl) of Morris Chapel, TN; Buddy (Mitzi) of Morris Chapel, TN; Sandra Gale (Shawn) Hackett of Muscle Shoals, AL; David (Mickie) of Sevierville, TN; Doug (Betsy) of Tullahoma, TN; Tom (Tammy) of Morris Chapel, TN; and Rose Marie Ratliff Qualls of Savannah, TN. Her seventeen grandchildren are Amanda, Drew, Josh, Nick, Janey, April, Craig, Ashley, Melody, Shelby, Savannah, Michael, Hunter, Caroline, Taylor, Brittany, and Hannah. Her seven great-grandchildren are Amber Grace, Gavin, Elijah, Ryder, Drake, Annabelle, and Alexis.

The family expresses its gratitude to all the healthcare workers for their contributions during her failing health as an aging woman, with particular recognition to Dr. Jim Thomas, her local personal care physician, and all the healthcare workers at the Hardin County Medical Center, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Also, the family expresses its gratitude to the Shackelford Funeral Directors, The House of Mercy, family members, and friends in the community participating in the ceremony.

Receiving of family and friends will be held at the House of Mercy, located at 29625 Highway 69, Morris Chapel, TN 38361 on Tuesday, June 20, from 5-10 pm and Wednesday, June 21, 12-3 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 21, at 3:00 pm with burial afterwards in Matlock Gardens adjacent to the church. Her earthly resting place will be within shouting distance of where she lived most of her life.