Andrea L. Ratliff

On December 22, 1978, James Ratliff and Patsy E. Chambers Ratliff welcomed their firstborn child, Andrea L. Ratliff, into the world. Andrea's early years of education began at Mt. Carmel Catholic School, followed by Paterson Catholic High School for her freshman and sophomore years. She later graduated from Passaic High School. With determination to further her education, Andrea attended Berkeley College in Midland Park, NJ, earning a degree in Office Management. Soon after, she made the life-changing decision to serve her country by joining the United States Army.
Andrea began her military career on November 19, 1999, completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 2008, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving from January to August with honor and courage.
Following active duty, Andrea continued her service in the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as part of the 7306th Medical Exercise Support Battalion. As lead Human Resources Specialist, she became a cornerstone of the unit, offering steadfast support and compassion to Soldiers. Andrea retired from the military in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and heart.
Her distinguished honors include: •Two Army Commendation Medals •Three Army Achievement Medals •Four Army Good Conduct Medals •National Defense Service Medal •Global War on Terrorism Service Medal •Korean Defense Service Medal •Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
Andrea's military journey reflected her belief in service above self, and her presence left an indelible mark on everyone she served alongside.
From an early age, Andrea's faith was central in her life. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and sang in the youth choir as a devoted member of Union Baptist Church under the late Rev. Ronald Johnson.
Andrea was preceded in death by her beloved parents, James Ratliff and Patsy E. Ratliff; her maternal grandparents, James E. Chambers Sr. and Nannie B. Chambers; paternal great-grandmother, Leila Clark; aunts, Martha D. Harris and Carol Hightower; and cousin, Tracey Austin.
She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Sonya Ratliff of Hackensack, NJ, Elaine Ratliff of North Carolina, and Gwendolyn Ratliff of New Jersey; sister-in-law, Cherry Ratliff of New Jersey; brothers, Joshua Ratliff of New Jersey, Derkey and Kevin Ratliff of Philadelphia, PA, and Jeffrey Ratliff of North Carolina. She is also survived by her nieces, Courtney Pittman of Virginia, Layla Sampson of New Jersey, and Yuri Anantasub of New Jersey; her nephew, Karrdy E. Cephus of New Jersey; uncles, James E. Chambers Jr. (Vanecia) of Paterson, NJ, Jerald W. Chambers and Marvin E. Chambers of Englewood, NJ, and Harold S. Chambers of Georgia; aunts Vivian L. Corbin of Hackensack, NJ, Letha L. Smith (Ronald) of Hempstead, NY, Ella L. Jackson of Passaic, NJ, and Theresa Kerr (Alvin) of Raleigh, NC. She will also be lovingly remembered by her best friend Karen Cavazos of San Antonio, TX, and a host of other relatives, friends, and brothers- and sisters-in-arms. Andrea L. Ratliff will forever be remembered as a woman of faith, service, and compassion a daughter, sister, aunt, Soldier, and friend whose light continues to shine through the lives she touched.