Mary Paul Burriss Ratliff

Mary Paul Burriss Ratliff, 85, of Sanford, died peacefully, surrounded by her sons at Parkview assisted living, on Monday, March 3, 2026.

Born March 14,1940, in Conway, SC, the middle child of James and Grace Paul, Mary graduated from Conway High School in 1958. Soon after graduation, Mary met the love of her life, Wayne Burriss and they married on October 25, 1959.

In the early years of their marriage, they had two sons and moved around throughout North and South Carolina due to Wayne’s job placements, finally settling in Sanford, NC. This is where she lived for the remainder of her life. Wayne and Mary were married until his passing in 1987. A few years after Wayne’s passing, Mary married Tom Ratliff to whom she was married to for more than twenty years until his passing in 2017. Mary worked as a mother and wife first but also spent many years working in banking until her retirement. Mary was an avid quilter. She left a collection of beautiful quilts to family that are beautiful reminders of her talent and love for her family and friends.

Mary was a faithful member of Cool Springs Baptist Church where she served in many areas of leadership and ministry over the years. She was especially fond of her time as Acteens Leader in the church and the Sandy Creek Baptist Association.

Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Wayne, second husband Tom, her parents and her four siblings. She is survived by her sons Greg (Vicky) and Tim (Kay), stepdaughter Becky and friend Michelle, grandchildren, Bethany (Kevin), Daniel (Zac), Joel, Carson, Lindsay (Phillip) and two great-granddaughters Lottie and Leah, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary asked if anyone wishes to give anything in her memory, instead of flowers send gifts to:

Outreach Mission Inc. (Homeless Shelter) P. O. Box 476 Sanford, NC 27331 or The Salvation Army of Lee County, P. O. Box 11209 Charlotte, NC 28220-1209 or a charity of your choice.