Mrs. Reba Frances Ragsdale

Reba Frances Edgar Ragsdale, 85 years of age, passed into Heaven on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. She had suffered from Alzheimer’s for over 10 years. Reba was born in Paragould, Arkansas to the late Herman Millard Edgar and Laura Wogman Edgar on February 19, 1931. She had a delightful “storybook” childhood and her family remained close throughout the years. Ministry was also a Family Affair with her Dad being a Minister. Reba and her sister, Annell, often provided music for his services and revivals--with Reba on the piano and Annell on the organ. Her Dad, sister, Dorothy and her husband, Lavelle, and Jerry Ragsdale sang together as the quartet. Her mother often sang as well. After moving to Jackson in 1962, she was church pianist at First Pentecostal Church. Later, as a member of Southside Assembly of God, she served faithfully as pianist for many years with her husband Jerry leading the music. She also accompanied various quartets and singing groups in which her husband, Jerry, and son, Gary, sang. Then, in later years, she and Jerry regularly conducted worship ministry at various nursing homes in Jackson, Brandon and Raymond. Reba loved going around and hugging, smiling and laughing with residents. In earlier years, she worked at McRae’s Department Stores--mostly in the men’s suit department. After her son, Gary, was grown she owned and managed four different ladies clothing stores, with the last being Brand’s Fashions in Brandon where she became close friends with many of her customers. Jerry claims “Reba was the best wife anyone could hope for and was definitely the best half of the family.” She was also an excellent cook and housekeeper, faithful friend, compassionate listener, and generous giver of whatever the need. All of her extended family were very precious to her, and she was faithful to keep in touch and inquire about their needs and lives. Years of family photos reveal many little dogs who were brought home (some rescued) whose lives were forever changed! Reba absolutely adored their family pets. She is preceded in death by her parents, her son, Thomas Gary Ragsdale, sister, Dorothy George and niece, Eugenia Ann DeRoe. Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Thomas Jerry Ragsdale; sister, Annell George; daughter-in-law, Laura Ragsdale; nephews, Mike Craft, Chris George; Nieces Lana Linitski, Shirley Mitchell, Janice McLain and Wanda George. On line guestbook available at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Southside Assembly of God (665 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39204)