Jacqueline Ratcliff

Retired Deputy Chief of Police Jacqueline Yvonne Ratcliff, age 72 of Erie, transitioned into eternal life on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at her residence.  Born on August 10, 1950 in Erie, PA, she was daughter to late Bishop Tony R. and Pastor Aseline Jones Ratcliff.

Jacqueline graduated from Strong Vincent High School.  She continued her education at Edinboro University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  Jacqueline then joined the Erie Bureau of Police in 1974, an unwelcoming time for both Blacks and women as recruits. 

A law enforcement and community trailblazer, Jacqueline built a stellar 31-year career with the Erie Bureau of Police.   She worked for more than a decade with the patrol division before being promoted to detective.  History was made in 2001 when Jacqueline was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief of Detectives.  She ultimately retired in 2005 as the highest-ranking woman and highest-ranking African American officer in Erie Bureau of Police history.

 Jacqueline believed in church, family, and community.  She loved the Lord, enjoyed reading the Bible, and humbly served as an Elder for the New York, Pennsylvania, and New England State Council (NYPANE) of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International.   Understanding the importance of higher education and in honor of her beloved father, she created the Bishop T.R. Ratcliff College Fund to assist local college students.  Jacqueline also enjoyed gospel music, live jazz, and dancing.   

Her grandson, Justin, was the twinkle in her eye.

Jacqueline will be forever missed by her loving son, Justin Nwokeji; her grandson, Justin Isaiah Nwokeji; her siblings, Janet Hardimon (Larry), Elder Tony Ratcliff, Jr. (Connie), Pastor Joyce Moses, JoAnn Abbott (Robert), Ronald Ratcliff, Jonathan Ratcliff (Ernestine), Sherri Williams (Vincent), Denise White, Stacy Hinton, and Mark Ratcliff, all of Erie, PA; and James Ratcliff of Harrisburg, PA. 

Friends are invited to call at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, 4103 Washington Avenue, on Sunday, October 2, 2022 for a memorial service at 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. and on Monday, October 3, 2022 for an 11:00 A.M. service.

Arrangements are under the care of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10th St., Erie. 

Kindly send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.