Deborah Lynn Ragins And Arthur William Blowe Jr

Deborah Lynn Ragins, loving and devoted wife, mother and servant of God was born June 30, 1952, in Washington, DC. Her parents were the late David Valentine Ragins and Emma Lou Pogue Ragins.

Deborah, fondly referred to as Debbie, graduated from McKinley Technical High School and obtained a Bachelor Arts Degree in Speech Pathology and Political Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

At a young age, Debbie became an active member of St. Martins Catholic Church and took great pride in participating in community activities and employment at the church. Debbie was very outgoing; always a smiling face and a friendly personality. She was known for her flair for fashion and during her high school years Debbie was voted “best dressed” and “most popular”.

As a college student, Debbie was studious; achieving excellent grades. She was active in Northeastern University’s Black Student Union and other cultural organizations. She was a part of a large network of college friends that remained active until her passing. In 1981, Debbie married Arthur William Blowe, Jr. Debbie and Arthur were the perfect match and loved each other unconditionally. They had a true love story for 39 years. Debbie and Arthur were very humble and extremely generous to their family and friends, offering housing, financial and educational assistance, meals and other support in a discreet and loving manner. Arthur preceded Debbie in death in 2020.

Debbie began her career at the Association of American Railroads. She had an extended and successful career with the federal government where she joined Department of Justice in the Office of Civil Rights; where she worked until her retirement in 2012. She was an active member of Zion Church in Landover, MD. Debbie continuously performed community service throughout the Lake Arbor and Washington, DC communities, generously giving her time and treasures to support those in her home area.

On December 4, 2020, Debbie transitioned to be with her husband and Lord. Left to cherish the loving memories are her children, Asjerde Ragins of Washington, DC, Shelbie Blowe of Washington, DC, and Arthur Blowe III of Seattle, WA; grandchild, Daniel Wyche of Washington, DC; siblings, David V. Ragins (Wanda) of Sewell, NJ, Wanda Ragins-Queen of Washington, DC, Andre Ragins (Deloris) of Mooresville, NC, Donna Ragins-Wright of Mitchellville, sister-in-law, Jennifer Ragins (widow of deceased brother Anthony Ragins) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many devoted friends.

Arthur William Blowe Jr.

Arthur William Blowe Jr., beloved husband, father and veteran, was born on August 27, 1941, in Stony Creek, Virginia. His parents were the late Arthur Blowe Sr. and Lucy Blowe.

Arthur graduated from the St. Emma Military Academy in Powhatan, Virginia. He had a loving group of high school friends whom he was in touch with until his passing; Arthur often helped to plan and organize reunions for his graduating class. Post high school, not wanting to put a large financial burden on his mother for college, Arthur joined the U.S. Air Force, and later the U.S. Army, working as an Aircraft Control & Warning Specialist and Senior Traffic Analyst. Arthur was finally able achieve his dream of higher education in 1973, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Arthur’s professional career took off after his time serving his country, working his way up the career ladder at telecommunications giant AT&T by first working in several technical operations positions, ascending to a HR supervisory role over personnel in AT&T’s Mid-Atlantic region, and finally serving as Operations Supervisor over White House communications. Arthur retired from AT&T in 1991 and joined the International Revenue Service as a Telecommunications Specialist, which allowed him to spend more time with his family. He officially joined the ranks of the fully retired in 2006, after ensuring he could put all of his children through college.

In 1981, Arthur married Deborah “Debbie” Ragins Blowe. Arthur and Debbie were the perfect match and loved each other unconditionally. They had a true love story for 39 years. Arthur and Debbie were very humble and extremely generous to their family and friends, offering housing, financial and educational assistance, meals and other support in a discreet and loving manner. Arthur and Debbie lived by example; setting high standards by promoting good character, work ethic, education and financial stability. Arthur also loved coaching youth basketball in his free time with friends.

On December 1, 2020, Arthur passed on to the next life to be with his Lord, and was joined by his devoted wife, Debbie, three days later. Left to cherish the loving memories are his children, Asjerde Ragins of Washington, DC, Shelbie Blowe of Washington, DC, and Arthur Blowe III of Seattle, WA; grandchild, Daniel Wyche of Washington, DC.; brother-in-law Jeremiah Caesar (widower of deceased sister Maude Caesar) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many devoted friends.