Betty Ratcliffe Marshall passed away peacefully at Heron Cove in Gloucester, Virginia, on December 7, 2023. Born on March 8, 1920, in Richmond, she graduated from Collegiate, and attended St. Claire’s Secretarial School. On his return from WWII, she married Beverley Randolph Wellford Marshall, her beloved husband of over 55 years. In 1960 they moved to Gloucester with their three sons and enjoyed life on the North River at their home Philippi. Betty was active in numerous community organizations. She always brought a sense of joy to her activities and cheer to anyone around her.
She was predeceased by her husband and her five siblings, Clyde, Louise, Davis, Elizabeth and Frances. She is survived by her three sons and their wives: Beverley Wellford Marshall (Dollie), Davis Ratcliffe Marshall (Anne) and Philip Taliaferro Marshall (Sonia). She is also survived by her grandchildren, their spouses and children: Dollie McGrath Marshall Kelly (Drew), Claire Reeves Kelly and Emily Elizabeth Kelly; son, James Alexander Wellford Marshall (Sara Catherine) and Thomas James Marshall and Nathan Daniel Marshall; and by Philip’s stepchildren, Claudia Andrea Gamonalortega and Julie Paola Gamonalortega (Gerardo) and her children. She is also survived by her nephews, Clyde H. Ratcliffe (Carolyn), Thomas Marshall Boyd (Carol) and William Randolph Boyd (Lynn), and their children: great-nieces, Anne Ratcliffe Chamblee (Jimmy) and Carolyn Ratcliffe Plageman (Charles), Brooke Warner Boyd, and great-nephews, Tyler Randolph Boyd (Fleming), and Joel Boyd (Sara).
After Bev’s retirement, they wintered in Sanibel and Fort Myers, Florida, for many years. Betty was an avid and accomplished bridge player. She was a member of Ware Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir for 24 years; the Garden Club of Gloucester and Garden Club of Virginia for 62 years; the Woman’s Club (Gloucester); the North River Circle of The King’s Daughters, ultimately an honorary member. She was a life member of the Country Club of Virginia (joining in 1936). She and her husband were also charter members of the Ware River Yacht Club.
She especially wanted to convey heartfelt thanks to Dr. Peter Zullo for years of care and to the staffs at Sanders Assisted Living and Heron Cove II, to all of whom her family also expresses deep gratitude.
A memorial service at Ware Episcopal Church will take place on March 8, 2024, her 104th birthday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Ware Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 616, 7825 John Clayton Memorial Highway, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or to the Gloucester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Andrews Funeral Home is in charge.