Ramona Hobgood Cash

Ramona Hobgood Cash, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the age of 94. She was born on September 5, 1929 in Oxford, NC to the late Thomas N. and Josephine Daniel Hobgood. Ramona was a very dynamic lady who gave service to her church, school and community. She had the ability to be a leader and a follower. She was brilliant organizer and encouraged and brought out hidden abilities in others. Ramona received her education from East Carolina University, UNC-Greensboro and NC State University, she was a retired Home Economics teacher having taught for over 40 years at Creedmoor High School, Smithfield High School and Clayton High School.

Ramona was very active in the Clayton First Baptist Church since 1952 when she moved to Clayton with her husband, James. She served on many church committees through the years, singing in the chancel choir and an active member of the WMU and a charter member of the Gladys Creech Prison Ministry for RCCW.

Ramona lived a life of service to others as a Christian, teacher and in many organizations, including the Johnston County Arts Council, Clayton Visual Arts Board, the Public Art Advisory Board, The Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, East Carolina Teacher/Trainee, the Woman’s Club of Clayton, the Halcyon Book Club and the Johnston County Community Foundation. In all of these she served as a president or extra-ordinary supporter. Her contributions were legend, and her patience and engaging smile always served as a source of inspiration to everyone.

Ramona was the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year, National FHA Advisor, NC Home Economics Teacher of the year, Clayton High School Teacher of the year, received the 1st Humanistic Award at Clayton High School, received the Johnston County Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award,

Clayton Woman’s Club Clubwoman of the year, recipient of the first Lewis R. Holding Philanthropic Leadership Award presented by the NC Community Foundation, honored as one of the Johnston County Schools Living Legends, honored as one of the Johnston County’s Living Legends and in 2017 she received the Frances Finch Hobart Community Services Award.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, James W. Cash, Jr.; a sister, Violet H. Thigpen; brothers, Thomas N. Hobgood, Jr. and Elam P. Hobgood; sister-in-law, Miriam Hobgood. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Kay Hobgood. Even though Ramona and her husband had no children of their own, they touched the lives of thousands of young people.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Clayton with Dr. Mark White officiating. The family receiving friends immediately following in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ramona's name to the First Baptist Church of Clayton or to a charity of one's choice.