Elizabeth Johnson Ragsdale

Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Ragsdale, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and educator, died July 24, 2017. Born March 8, 1940 in Columbus, GA to the late Hiram W. and Muriel H. Johnson, Dr. Ragsdale graduated from Columbus High School in 1958. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College, a master’s degree from Georgia State University, and a doctoral degree from Florida State University.

She was married to her best friend, the late Thomas (Tom) G. Ragsdale, for 51 years. She taught middle and high school French and English and later piano while raising her three children in Albany, GA. In 1979, she joined the faculty as a Reading Specialist at Albany Junior College, renamed Darton College. Former students fondly remember her dedication and commitment to teaching and care and concern for her students. She retired after many years of service in 2006 from Darton College as the Chair of both the Division of Humanities and the Division of Learning Support. Initially appointed to the State Board of Early Care and Learning, she was appointed by the former Governor Sonny Perdue in January, 2009 to serve on the State Board of Education representing the Second Congressional District in South Georgia. As a highly respected board member, Dr. Ragsdale took great pride in helping to improve public education in her district and throughout Georgia. After retiring from the board in December 2013, she moved to Austin, TX to be near her daughter’s family.

Dr. Ragsdale was a strong Christian and longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Albany, GA and later The Lakeway Church in Austin, TX. Shewas a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, a graduate of Leadership Albany, and a member of P.E.O., Philanthropic Educational Organization in Lakeway, TX.

Survivors include a son and his wife, John and Staci Ragsdale of Keller, TX, two daughters and their husbands, Kim and John Hepler of Atlanta, GA and Barrie and Kevin Spencer of Austin, TX, and seven grandchildren whom she adored, Zack Shepherd, Luke Shepherd, Laura Spencer, Rachel Spencer, Holt Ragsdale, Harrison Ragsdale, and Maggie Ragsdale.

The family will receive friends Sunday, August 6, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home at Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, GA. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 7, at 11:00 am at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Albany, GA, 145 Oakland Parkway, Leesburg, GA, 31763, or to The Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd, Lakeway, TX 78734.

Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.