Jenny Ratliff Mcguirt

Jenny Lee Ratliff McGuirt of Wingate; died peacefully on October 6, 2024. Jenny was born the daughter of William Clarence and Margaret Rayfield Ratliff on September 9, 1951. She grew up in the Cason’s Old Field community south of Wadesboro.

Jenny attended Anson County Schools but graduated high school from Vardell Hall in Red Springs, NC. After high school, she attended Wingate College, finishing with a certificate in secretarial sciences.

Upon graduation from Wingate the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts employed her in the district Probation office in Wadesboro. After a reorganization of the Probation Division, she was employed as a troop secretary for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Jenny was next employed as Administrative Assistant to District Attorney Carroll Lowder. In that position, she assisted with the preparation of cases for trial in five counties of North Carolina.

Jenny’s grandfather and an uncle both served as sheriffs in Anson County so it was ironic that she married Frank McGuirt, who eventually became sheriff of Union County. As two sons, William and Jonathan came along she resigned from full-time employment to be with them in their early childhood.

Once the boys were in school Jenny returned to what is now Wingate University and completed her education earning a bachelor's degree in human services. She then worked at Piedmont Area Mental Health as a program director. In a few years, however, Jenny was selected as Executive Director of Union County Community Action, a private non-profit corporation providing a myriad of services and programs including Head Start in three counties.

In addition to her work, Jenny has also served on local committees and advisory boards to other social service and educational endeavors. In recognition of her work, she was awarded the state’s highest civilian honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, by Governor Roy Cooper in 2018.

Jenny McGuirt was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Margret “Peggy” Harwood. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Frank McGuirt, two sons, William of Mt Holly and Jonathan (Jessica) of Wingate, and granddaughter Elizabeth.

A service to celebrate Jenny’s life will be held at Wingate Baptist Church, 109 E. Elm Street, Wingate, NC 28174, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 am. The family will greet friends after the ceremony.

Memorials in Jenny’s memory may be made to Wingate Baptist Church, 109 E. Elm St., Wingate, NC 28174.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneraservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the McGuirt Family.