Wilma Lee Banks Ratcliff

ALEXANDER – Wilma Lee Banks Ratcliff, age 92, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. Mrs. Ratcliff was born on January 13, 1934, in Buncombe County where she lived all her life with the exception of her service time in the United States Air Force. She was the daughter of the late Odus W. and Frances Burnette Banks and wife of the late James Ratcliff. She was also preceded in death by her son, Richard “Ricky” Lee and her four siblings.

Wilma worked as an inspector at Mills Manufacturing and AB Emblem, and was a weaver at Burlington Industries for over 30 years. She enjoyed going to exercise with her church group and going to the Senior Meal Site at First Baptist Church in Weaverville. She had many special friends there, and also loved playing Bingo. She was a jokester but had a big heart displayed by her affection for her rescue dogs, Buddy, Bella, and Duke.

Surviving is her daughter, Karen Lee-Christian and husband Glenn of Smyrna, GA; daughter-in-law, Kathy Lee; nieces, Dolores Shook, Denise Pace, Connie Wharton and Frances Wilson; grandchildren, Riecka Lee Franklin and husband Todd; and great grandchild, Rannon Lee.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Rev. Dr. Buddy Corbin officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Wilma’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.