Opal Ellen Peters Ratcliffe

On Sunday, October 25, 2009, our Lord summoned one of heaven's most special angels to His side and issued instructions to safely escort our dear mother, Opal Ellen Peters Ratcliffe, of Pearisburg Va., in her journey as she passed from the bonds of this earth and stepped through Heaven's gate into the presence of her Precious Savior. Today, Mom is with her beloved husband, Fred L. Ratcliffe. Daddy has been waiting and watching for her since Thanksgiving Day 1955. Together now, they will wait and watch for us. Mom was born on April 18, 1912, to Isaac Asbury and Amanda Loma Morris Peters in Wise County, Va. Her grandparents were Jeff and Martha Ellen Harrell Morris and James William and Frances Ruby Bailie Peters. She became a member of The Church of God of Prophecy on May 28, 1933. Through the years, she served faithfully in whatever position she was given. She taught the Adult Sunday School Class for many years. Mom worked hard to raise money for missions by making and selling countless quilts, aprons, crochet handkerchiefs and embroidered pillow cases. Once, when in her mid-sixties, she hand cut a line fence of mid-sized trees with a bow saw to earn money which she donated to the churches building fund. Mom's journey through this life was often times, most difficult. It was not unusual to find her on her knees seeking God's help. He never once failed to answer her prayers.
In addition to her parents, grandparents, and her husband, she was predeceased by two sisters, Ruby Peters Janney and Loma Peters Parson; a brother, Isaac "Ike" Asbury Peters Jr.; and a foster son, Ronnie.
She is survived by a foster daughter, Edna (James) Campbell, of Blackbear, Ga.; a daughter, Freda Ratcliffe, of Pearisburg, Va.; a son, Steven Ratcliffe, of Pulaski, Va.; several foster grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-greatgrandchildren.
We, her family, have been most highly blessed to have a Godly mother to love us, teach, and guide us. She will be sorely missed. We are so very thankful that she taught us about Jesus. Through her life's example, she has shown us how to live so that when the day dawns for us to also pass from the bonds of this earth, we shall be together once more and never have to part again.
Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke on Tuesday evening, October 27, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.