Jean Jarreau

A viewing for Ms. Jean Jarreau will be at 10am at Acts Full Gospel Church, 1034 66th Ave, Oakland, CA 94621,on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 followed by Celebration of Life for Ms. Jean Jarreau

at 11:00am at Acts Full Gospel Church, 1034 66th Ave, Oakland, CA 94621

Jean Annette Jarreau, affectionately known as “Grandma Jean” and “Momma Jean,” was born

on a beautiful Sunday, October 24, 1954, in Houston, Texas. From the very beginning, Jean’s light

shone brightly. She carried a quiet spirit full of joy, kindness, and unwavering faith. Jean loved the

Lord deeply and believed with all her heart that every blessing in her life came straight from His

hands. Her faith guided her every step, shaping the woman so many of us loved and admired.

For over 40 years, Jean poured her heart into her work at the Social Security Administration’s

Office of Operational Human Resources Service Management. She was more than just dedicated,

she was dependable, caring, and always willing to lend a hand. Her co-workers saw in her not just

a professional, but a friend, a confidant, and a light in their day.

But Jean’s true passion was her family. Her love for them was endless. The kind of love that made

everyone around her feel special, protected, and deeply cared for. She gave selflessly, without

hesitation, and always found a way to bring comfort and laughter to those she loved. Jean had a

heart big enough for everyone — family, friends, and even strangers who quickly became family

once they felt her warmth.

Jean loved bringing people together. She especially cherished hosting family gatherings during

Thanksgiving, and filling her home with laughter, warmth, and the delicious aroma of her famous

gumbo on Christmas Eve. She had a playful spirit at times and enjoyed game nights with loved

ones, whether it was Pokeno, Left-Right-Center, or an occasional visit to the local casino, Jean

always made every moment joyful and full of fun.

On October 11, 2025, Jean peacefully took her rest at her home in Oakland, California, surrounded

by love and held by the same faith that guided her life. She now joins her parents and her high

school sweetheart and husband, Rayfield Ragler Sr., in their heavenly home. Though Jean has left

her earthly home, her spirit lives on — in every smile she inspired, every heart she touched, and

every life she changed.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving mother, Mamie Anna Williams Jarreau and her father,

Joseph Jarreau Jr., and sister, Shirley Ray Williams. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory, her

beloved son, Ray Ragler Jr.; her devoted daughter, Tiana Harding; and her precious grandchildren,

Khylah Ray Ragler, Journey Annette Harding, and Dream Debra-Jean Harding, who brought her

immeasurable joy.

Jean will forever be missed and remembered by her siblings, Anna Smith, Larry

Jarreau, Deborah Watson, and Paul Jarreau, as well as a host of family members, friends, and

loved ones who will carry her memory forever in their hearts.

Jean’s light may no longer shine before us, but it continues to

glow within us — a reminder of her love, her strength, and her

faith.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:8