The Elon University community mourns the loss of Janice J. Ratliff, a beloved former staff member whose life and work shaped the heart of this institution for more than three decades, who died March 25 at the age of 82.
The following message was shared on March 26 with the Elon University community by President Connie Ledoux Book.
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I am deeply saddened to share news of the death of Janice J. Ratliff, a beloved former staff member whose life and work shaped the heart of this institution for more than three decades. She died Wednesday, March 25 at the age of 82. A native of Elon, Janice served the university with insight, affection, and unwavering dedication for 35 years, leaving an enduring legacy of care, mentorship, and service.
Janice joined the Elon community in 1981 as an administrative assistant in the Office of Cooperative Education. Over the course of her career, she went on to serve in the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students, the Office of Student Development, the Office of Auxiliary Services, and ultimately the Office of Student Health and Wellness. In every role she held, Janice brought compassion, professionalism and a listening ear—providing essential support to faculty and staff while offering reassurance and comfort to students and their families, often far from home.
With her ever-present smile and gentle strength, Janice was a trusted mentor and role model, particularly for Black students and first-generation students. At a time when there were few Black staff members on campus, she became a vital and visible source of encouragement, belonging and advocacy. She served as a devoted adviser to the Black Cultural Society (now the Black Student Union), the Gospel Choir, and Elon’s Finest, and she was an indispensable presence at the Phillips-Perry Black Excellence Awards Celebration, serving on its awards committee and faithfully supporting the annual event. Her commitment also extended to more than a decade of service to the Student Government Association, further reflecting her belief in empowering students and helping them thrive.
In 1999, she received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, followed by recognition as Professional Hourly Staff Member of the Year in 2006. In 2010, the Elon Black Alumni Network honored her for her dedication to the success of Black students. Student organizations further ensured her legacy by naming two awards in her honor: the Black Student Union Janice Ratliff Community Service Award and the Student Government Association’s Janice J. Ratliff Award for Organization Volunteer of the Year.
Janice retired in 2016 and in 2017 she received the Elon Medallion, the university’s highest honor. One of the most profound tributes to Janice’s impact came with the naming of the Janice Ratliff Building in 2021, making her the first Black staff member in Elon’s history to have a campus building named in her honor.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Ratliff, who passed away in 2005. She is survived by her daughters, Karla Leath and Kandace Wright, granddaughters Aiesha Leath and Imani Leath and great-granddaughter, Niyah Deberry.
Services will be held on the Elon University campus in the Alumni Gym in the Koury Center on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Service arrangements are being handled by Sharpe Funeral Home and are as follows:
- Funeral Services will begin at 12:30 p.m.
- Burial will be in Alamance Memorial Park immediately following the service
- Parking is available in the Oaks Parking Lot on Williamson Avenue
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
The Family of Janice Ratliff
Office of the University Chaplain
Campus Box 2960
Elon, NC 27244