Mary Ragland
Mary Elizabeth Harton Ragland, 56, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.
Mary was born in Reform, Al., to the late Bennie Harton and the late Florean Storey Harton. A beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend, Mary worked tirelessly until the end. The Lord opened his arms and welcomed her in.
Mary was a graduate of Pickens County High School and Stillman College. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. After graduating college, Mary accepted a position in Chattanooga with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Mary was a humble, dedicated, Christian woman. She worked tirelessly in the church as youth director, youth choir musician and choir director, member of the usher board and adult choir. Her passion was working with the youth developing and teaching them to practice behaviors pleasing to God and how to become productive citizens. She was instrumental in organizing youth visits to nursing homes to render music; youth outings to develop their musical talents and skills; organized social issues awareness forums and mentored many youth along the way.
Mary is survived by her loving family, husband, Harold Ragland; son, Jermaine Ragland, Huntsville, Alabama; two daughters, Jasmine and Ashley Ragland, Chattanooga; granddaughter, Joslyn “Jozzy”, grandson, Jordan “Jo Jo”, Chattanooga; sisters, Mrs. Dorothy (L.C.) G. Adams, Reform, Al.; Mrs. Ruby (Sherman) J. Irby, Atlanta; brothers, Mr. Bennie(Theresa) E. Harton, Mr. Lewis Harton, Mr. Jerry A. Harton, Reform, Alabama; devoted sisters and brothers in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 12:30 p.m. at Stephen Temple C.P. Church, 1601 East Third Street with the Reverend Earnest Jefferson officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
The body will lie in state after noon on Saturday and the family will receive friends from 6–7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.