Tabitha Lanette (Carr) Ratcliff

Tabitha Lanette Ratcliff, 43 of Lumberton, passed away July 11, 2024 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. She was born January 09, 1981 at the Lumberton Hospital, the oldest of two daughters to the late Billy Gene, Jr. and Darla Jeanne (Stockstill) Carr. Tabitha grew up in Lumberton where she enjoyed music, sports, and sleeping. The girl loved her sleep, and availed herself of every opportunity to do so. When she wasn't asleep, Tabitha enjoyed the outdoors, travelling, helping others, and hanging out with her bestie Michelle. She attended Lumberton schools, and got her first job as a server at Ryan's Seakhouse in Hattiesburg. When AOL came along, she found a new hobby. Tabitha could spend hours on AOL, and met Thomas in a round-about way there. They were married in 2002 and made their home in Petal, until moving back to Lumberton in 2023. Tabitha is remembered as a kind and helpful person. She became a volunteer firefighter and graduated from first responder training, something she was very proud of. Tabitha gave of her time for several years, helping others in times of need. She loved food, and many varieties of it. Among her favorites were dumplings, banana pudding, and a Mississippi Roll from Fuji. Tabitha was a Christian by faith and a member of Lumberton Church of Christ for more than 25 years. She enjoyed studying and reading her Bible, and did so on a daily basis. In her spare time, she loved to read and watch her shows, like Heartland, Vampire Diaries, the Twilight movies, and much more. Tabitha loved her family and children, with her most cherished day being the day she gave birth to her first child. She was there for them, every step of the way. She got to see her daughter come to salvation as well, and was very excited about that. For all that she was, she will be forever loved and missed by all whose life she touched. Tabitha was preceded by her father, Billy Carr, Jr.; maternal grandfather Ira Stockstill; paternal grandparents Billy, Sr. and Claudia Carr; and an infant child at 16 weeks. Left to cherish her memories are: her loving husband of over 22 years, T.J.; her son Austin and daughter Olivia Ratcliff, both of Petal; her mother Darla Carr, and sister Jessica Carr, also of Lumberton; her maternal grandmother, Jackie Stockstill of Hillsdale; her in-laws Jeff and Sylvia Ratcliff of Petal; and her brother-in-law John (Billy Hutto) Ratcliff of Hattiesburg. She also leaves her best friend and partner-in-crime, Michelle (Ryan) Easley, also of Petal, her three feline kids, Maggie, Daisy, and Smoke, along with numerous extended family and friends, and a very extensive collection of pens and lighters she "acquired" through the years. Her final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. A celebration of her life is set for Thursday, July 18th at Lumberton Church of Christ. Friends are encouraged to come share with her family beginning at 5:00 PM. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ratcliff family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.