Betty Ragan Kersey's Obituary
Biography
Henderson, GA
Betty Ragan Kersey passed into the presence of her Savior, Jesus, and the heavenly angels on Thursday, January 16, 2014. She was surrounded by her family whom she dearly loved. Visitation will be Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 4-6 P.M. at Watson Hunt Funeral Home, 1208 Main Street, Perry, GA with services on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Henderson Baptist Church, Henderson, GA with burial afterwards in the church cemetery. The service will be conducted by Reverend Brian Stewart.
Betty was born February 11, 1926 in Bessemer, Alabama and was the daughter of the late Douglas Robert and Grace Allen Anderson. She was raised in Hawkinsville and graduated from Hawkinsville High School. She was predeceased by husbands, Louis Ragan and Charlie Kersey; her brothers, Douglas R. Anderson, Jr. and Council “Andy” Anderson, and a step daughter, Vivian Blackstock.
In 1944 she married the late Louis Ingram Ragan and made her home in Henderson, GA living there until her death. Betty was employed for many years by Kellwood Company in Perry until her retirement in 1981 at which time she married the late Charles Thomas “Charlie” Kersey.
Betty was a long time active member of Henderson Baptist Church where she taught three generations of children as well as adults for over 60 years. She was a member of Pilot Club of Perry for years, serving as President and in other capacities. Her church activities exemplified her faithfulness to her Lord. Betty found great pleasure, comfort and exhortation in flower gardening after losing two husbands. The glory of the Lord was sensed by her among her vast array of His floral creation. Betty discovered joy even riding her John Deere lawn tractor cutting grass for hours. During the past decade her gift as an expert seamstress blessed many young ladies at Sharing Elegance Formal Wear with her late step daughter, Betty Kersey Hammock.
She is survived by her daughter, Pat Johnson (Charley) of Milledgeville; Louis I. “Bubba” Ragan (Rose) of Perry; and Maida Evans (Baxter) of Forsyth as well as her grandchildren, Michelle C. Brown of Macon; Matthew Cloud (Ashley) of Grapevine, TX; Stacie Birdsong (John) of Warner Robins; Chad Ragan (Jamie) of Byron; Ragan Lewis (Phil) of Asheville, NC and Jennie Ridley (Alec) of Savannah along with great grandchildren, Sarah Grace Walker, Kade Walker, Chance Ragan and Parker Ragan as well as her sister, Laura A. Bunnell of Cordele and her sister in law, Marinelle M. Anderson of Vidalia and step children Tommy Kersey (Joan), Leighton Kersey (Pam), Wendell Kersey (Judy) and the late Vivian Blackstock and numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the doctors who attended her for many years as well as the staff of the fifth floor of the Heart Tower at the Medical Center of Central Georgia for their care and concern these past two weeks.
In memory of Betty donations are requested for The Cemetery Fund of Henderson Baptist Church, 2813 U.S. Highway 41 South, Elko, GA 31025.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?