Barbara Ley Ragland

Barbara left this earthly life after a courageous battle with cancer on April 9, 2026.

Barbara is predeceased by her parents Eugene Walker Ragland and Ernestine Ragland and her niece Tara Ley Ragland Hite.

She is survived by her spouse Margie Brooks, her brother Eugene Ragland, her great nephew Evan Hite, and her fur-baby son, Cooper.

Barbara was born and raised in Chesterfield County, attending Manchester High School where she played field hockey and basketball.

Barbara graduated from Longwood College with a degree in Physical education and post graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in counseling. She was a life long teacher and coach, using her counseling skills throughout her life. She taught at Colonial Heights High School and L. C. Bird High School for a total of 32 years. During this time she coached softball, field hockey, basketball, and gymnastics. Her greatest talent as a teacher was really caring about and mentoring her students and players.

Barbara enjoyed playing many sports through out life and traveling all over the country (always driving, never flying). Eating out with her friends and staying at her mountain cabin were also favorite things to do.

A special thanks to VCU Health, especially Dr. Renato Martins and Charlotte Jennings NP and VCU BAYADA Hospice, especially Tiara and Felicia. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. and the celebration will begin at noon.

Internment will be private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wildlife Center of Virginia, P.O. Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA. 22980 in memory of Barbara Ragland.