November 15, 1941 - October 22, 2024
Mary Alice Ragston
From the obsequies of Sis. Nora Jack, a lATE relative, 1963
Mary Alice Ragston
November 15, 1941 - October 22, 2024
Lewis Street Church of Christ 2716 Lewis St. Little Rock, AR 72204
Dr. J. O. Robinson, Minister, Presiding
November 15, 1941 - October 22, 2024
Mary Alice Ragston
Obituary
Mary Alice Ragston was born on November 15, 1941, in Little Rock Arkansas at University Hospital. She was the only child born to the late Jenora & Fredrick Dennis, and lovingly raised with her mother and late stepfather, Oliver J. Wilson. She peacefully transitioned to heaven on October 22, 2024, surrounded by family.
She accepted Christ at a young age at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Cross Street in Little Rock, the home church of her late mother While growing up there, she was very involved with church activities. She later joined Lewis Street Church of Christ, where she was a faithful member and attended regularly.
Mary Alice was slated to graduate from Horace Mann High School in 1959, where her mother, Jenora, was the first Librarian hired on campus. Mary Alice was among the earlier classes of the formerly all-Black institution to deter integration in the capital city before the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. She would finish her education at Scipio Jones High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas after then Governor Orval Faubus closed public schools in 1958 – 59, known as “The Lost Year”.
After high school, she studied Elementary Education and later graduated from the Historically Black College, Philander Smith, (now University) in the 1960’s. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Mary Alice became a member of the Beta Pi Omega Chapter in 1979 and maintained her membership status throughout her life.
She married, and later gave birth to her son, Reginald Ragston in 1961 Armed with her education, she joined the workforce, working for various state agencies, and continued a successful career with the State of Arkansas in 1979 at The Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security Administration until she retired in 2003.
Mary Alice Ragston is preceded in death by her parents Fredrick Dennis, Jenora E. Wilson and Oliver J Wilson She leaves to cherish her memories, a son – Reginald (Jenie) Ragston of Davao City, Philippines. Two Granddaughters NaToscha Ragston of Little Rock, AR and Sebuani Ragston of Davao City, Philippines. Two Grandsons – Chauncey Bush of Atlanta, GA and Sebuano Ragston of Davao City, Philippines and a host of relatives and close friends.
crystal c. mercer watson, 2024
Pallbearers
Active Pallbearers
Chauncey Bush
Cameron Sain, Sr.
Casey Stokes
Anthony Thomas II
Quincy Watson
Derek Williams
Honorary Pallbearers
Billy “St. James” DeLoney
Mark Dillion
Curtis Hampton
Jeff Hampton
Mike Jefferies
Greg Marks
John Charles Nayles
Darryl Taylor
Roderick Taylor
Repast
Lewis Street Church of Christ 2716 Lewis St. Little Rock, AR 72204
Acknowledgements
