Rev. Dr. Phyllis Ilene Ratcliff-Beaumonte
Preacher, educator, author, historian, and community servant whose life reflects a deep devotion to God, Mount Zion Baptist Church, and the work of justice.
Rooted in faith. Formed through service.
Born and educated in Seattle, Dr. Beaumonte’s life has been shaped by generations of service to the church and the community.
Rev. Dr. Phyllis Ilene Ratcliff-Beaumonte was born in Seattle, Washington, and graduated from Garfield High School. Her love for God and the church began early through Baptist Youth Training Union participation, Sunday School teaching, and a life of worship at Mount Zion Baptist Church.
She was baptized by the Rev. Dr. F. Benjamin Davis and later answered God’s call to ministry. In 1989, she was licensed to preach by the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. She was later ordained in Berkeley, California, at the National Baptist Women Ministers Regional Convention, officiated by Dr. Arnelle Jackson.
Her ministry reflects a rare combination of preaching, teaching, historical preservation, social justice advocacy, educational leadership, and faithful congregational service.
A life poured out in service.
Faith formation at Mount Zion
Participated in Baptist youth training, taught Sunday School, and grew in a family deeply committed to worship and service.
Licensed to preach
Licensed by the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Ordained in Berkeley, California
Ordained during the National Baptist Women Ministers Regional Convention under the leadership of Dr. Arnelle Jackson.
Preacher, clergy leader, and Bible teacher
Continues to serve as an Associate Minister, Pulpit Clergy leader, preacher, and Bible Study teacher at Mount Zion.
Scholarship in service of ministry.
Theological Education
- Doctor of Ministry, San Francisco Theological Seminary
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Seattle University
- Pastoral Excellence in Leadership Certificate
Public Leadership
- Master of Arts in Public Administration and Urban Policy
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Leadership focused on church, city, and community institutions
Education & Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Editorial Journalism
- Washington State Teacher Certification
- Retired high school and community college educator
Faith translated into public service.
Writing at the intersection of faith and justice.
Weaving a Life of Faith With Social Justice
A reflection on faithful discipleship expressed through advocacy and community engagement.
Information Is Power
A parent and guardian handbook on public education, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Poetry and Prose
Includes the national award-winning poem “Take Jesus On Your Journey.”
Let Mount Zion Rejoice
A work celebrating the history, faith, and witness of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
“A life of faith is most clearly seen when worship, learning, justice, and service become one.”
Rev. Dr. Phyllis Ilene Ratcliff-Beaumonte