Mamie E. Ragsdale

Mamie E. Ragsdale, age 84, of Maitland left the confines of her earthly body on November 11, 2015 and passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus. She was born in Milledgeville, GA, to the late Joseph E. and Mamie L. Etheredge and grew up on a small family farm during the Great Depression, living modestly and loving abundantly – things she continued to do for the rest of her life. Despite her very humble beginnings, she worked her way through Georgia State College for Women before marrying and starting a family in Decatur, GA. She continued her education in Atlanta, earning a master’s degree from Georgia State University shortly before relocating with her family to the Orlando area in 1966. Soon thereafter, she joined the faculty of the newly formed Seminole Community College where she enjoyed a long and distinguished career in business education. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Maitland where she served as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, and regular maker of delicious cherry crunch cake for the men's group at the church. She never missed an opportunity to stop and marvel at the wonder of God’s creation, whether in the form of a spectacular sunset or the intricate patterns and beautiful colors on a butterfly's wings. She was always captivated and delighted by the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, being keenly aware of God's faithful care for them and confident in His provision for her as well. Throughout her life, she exhibited the grace and charm of a bygone era and had the unique ability to make every new acquaintance feel like a welcome friend. She exuded the warmth and hospitality of a true southern lady as well as the strength and independence of a steel magnolia. She held little desire for the finer things in life, yet naturally made the things and people in her life finer. She was a devoted wife, an adoring and adored mother and grandmother, a gifted teacher, a skilled administrator, a master gardener, a gracious hostess, a wonderful cook, and a loving healer of hurts and kisser of boo-boos. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Roy C. Ragsdale, who until his recent passing served as her primary caregiver as she slowly succumbed to the scourge of Alzheimer’s over the past eight years. She is survived by her children Lynn and Jose Mederos (Oviedo), Cliff and Kathy Ragsdale (Blacksburg, VA), Jennifer and Frank Grey (Melbourne); six grandchildren Sean Mederos, Thomas Ragsdale, Patrick Ragsdale, Daniel Ragsdale, Kaitlyn Grey, and Nicholas Grey; and a sister Mary Richardson (Sherman, Texas). Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Monday, Nov. 23 at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 N. Orlando Ave, Maitland. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Maitland on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4 pm, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Orlando Children's Church (http://orlandochildrenschurch.org). The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional caregivers from Griswold Home Care who assisted Mrs. Ragsdale in her home during her final days and to the special people at First Baptist Church of Maitland who have demonstrated God's love in innumerable ways.

Mamie E. Ragsdale

October 19, 1931 - November 11, 2015