Phyllis Ann Ratliff Marshall

Phyllis Ann Ratliff Marshall obituary, Church Hill, TN

Phyllis Ann Ratliff Marshall

Phyllis Ratliff Marshall Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home on Aug. 14, 2025.

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Phyllis Ann Ratliff Marshall passed away after a long illness on Wednesday the 26th of February 2025.
She was born the 23rd of July 1937 in Surgoinsville, TN to the late Lyle Robert Ratliff and Emily Matilda Wininger. Her childhood was spent growing up working in her father's store near Stoney Point, riding ponies and working cattle. Later, in her teenage years, her dreams turned to cars, she always adored a good car.
Phyllis was phenomenal on the basketball court, playing as a star point guard for Surgoinsville High School, where she scored 52 points in one game! Her education continued by attending East Tennessee State University, where she received a degree in Education and later, she obtained a master's degree from Lincoln Memorial University. She started teaching in 1957 and retired in 1999. She thoroughly enjoyed all of her students and making a difference in their lives.
In 1960 she married Ralph Edgar Marshall "Shiloh", who was the love of her life. The following decade was spent traveling to many states around the country, as Ralph's career took them both on some great adventures. She would always say those were some of the best days of her life.
In 1970, while living in Houston, their daughter, Lisha, was born, so she and Ralph had a whole new adventure in store. Phyllis believed in living life to the fullest, always had a quick wit and never met a stranger. She was dedicated to staying busy and always "on the go" with a new project or two.
She thoroughly loved animals and one of her favorite quotes was "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." (Mahatma Gandhi).
Phyllis loved Jesus, Country Church Gospel, especially, "Beulah Land" and Elvis Presley (with a special fondness for "Love Me Tender"). She had endless love for her Yorkshire Terriers "Chip" and his father "Chap". She even trained Chap to star as "Toto" in the Barter Theatre production of the Wizard of Oz.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisha Ann (Spencer) Collingwood, as well as two step-grandchildren, Daniel and Amelie, her cousin, Lois (Windel) Seal, one niece, Susan Hough and two nephews, David and George (Katie) Buffington.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Greg Fletcher officiating. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Liberty Hill Cemetery. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:15 AM to go in procession to the cemetery.
Servig as pallbearers will be Spencer Collingwood, Daniel Collingwood, James Hammond, and George Buffington. In lieu of flowers Phyllis requested that memorial contributions be made to The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue in her name.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Phyllis, please visit our Tree Store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home

320 Grandview Street PO Box 205, Church Hill, TN 37642

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