Ellen McLeod Ratliff Highsmith Adams, 99, of Saint Simons Island, formerly of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, September 24, 2024, at Magnolia Manor Senior Living on Saint Simons Island.
Born October 7, 1924, in Blackshear, she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Ellen McIntosh Ratliff. She graduated from Blackshear High School in 1943. Later she joined the United States Navy and was chosen to participate in the “singing Platoon” which entertained the troops during World War II.
In 1950, she married Robert W. Highsmith and became a wife, mother and homemaker. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackshear and was the oldest living member for many years. She enjoyed being a community volunteer, especially delivering for “Meals on Wheels.”
She loved to cook and entertain her family and friends in the “Southern Style.” She was the last living member of the original Blackshear Supper Club established in 1960.
She worked at the Peoples Bank and retired in 1986. She became the “first lady” of Blackshear for 10 years as the wife of the late Mayor Harry G. Adams. In 2007, she moved to Saint Simons Island and resided there until her death.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert W. Highsmith; second husband, Harry G. Adams; daughter, Evelyn Katherine; infant daughter, Rebecca Ann; sister, Ruth R. Hawkins and brothers, Alvin M. Ratliff and Richard Ratliff.
Survivors include her daughter, Deborah H. Walker, husband Mike; three granddaughters, Shelley Young, husband Gavin, Stacey Hunter, husband Jed, and Brooke Martin; five great -grandchildren, Walker Young, Eva Kate Martin, Wilkes Martin, Ellen Hunter and Caroline Hunter and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services are pending due to Hurricane Helene.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the Pierce County Food Pantry, 713A Hendry Street, Blackshear, GA 31516, Hearth Hospice, 208 Scranton Connector, Brunswick, GA 31525, or to One for Israel, 2405 Mustang Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial. com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
