Vera Loretta Ragsdale

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Esther Ragsdale; brothers Jimmy Ragsdale, Kenneth Ragsdale, and Gerald Ragsdale; sisters-in-law Sandra Ragsdale, Shirley M. Ragsdale, and Shirley G. Ragsdale.

Loretta is survived by her beloved siblings Noel Ragsdale, Alona (Bob) Gobble, Tommy Ragsdale, Larry (Jennifer) Ragsdale, Anne (Charles) Lipscomb, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Loretta was born in Gadsden, AL to Robert and Esther Ragsdale, the first of ten children. Loretta was born with a spirit of determination. She wanted to excel in her school studies and achieved the title of Salutatorian of her 1955 graduating class at Gaston High School, a title she was proud of. She carried her work ethic into her young adult life as she became a bookkeeper for the McClellan’s store on Broad Street, retiring after 37 years, and earning several accolades throughout her career.

Loretta was a born helper. A member of Carnes Baptist Church, and later a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, she loved teaching Sunday School, assisting with VBS, decorating for special occasions, and making her famous coconut cake for all church functions.

Loretta loved to cook and was very good at it. She loved to make big meals for her family and was the only one allowed to bring certain dishes to family functions. Her family loved the Christmas candies she made each year. If you were ever privy to a slice of her coconut cake, consider yourself lucky. Loretta used her cooking skills to love on others, often making meals for those who were sick or down. Loretta was a talented seamstress and enjoyed working on her Singer sewing machine. She had a green thumb and could make anything grow in her yard. She loved her irises, azaleas, and petunias.

Loretta loved her family with all her heart. She went above and beyond to care for her ailing parents in their final years. She would drop anything to come to the aid of a sibling, niece, or nephew. She was the core of the family. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 26th at 11:00 at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Bro. Jerry Tuck will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to any Dementia and Alzheimer’s charity of your choice. A special thank you to the Gadsden Regional Medical Center 7th floor nursing staff, techs, and doctors for their kindness and care in these last weeks