Barbara Freeman Ragsdale

Barbara Price Freeman Ragsdale passed away peacefully on October 30, 2018 at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her parents Lorraine Clarke Freeman and Everette Freeman, Jr. of Lawrenceville, Virginia. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dr. John Randolph Ragsdale, III and their two children Austin Ragsdale Murray (Michael) of Greensboro, NC and Ashley Ragsdale Stockton (Chris) of Atlanta, GA; two grandchildren John Randall Tyler Whichard and Brooks Randolph Stockton; and a brother Worthington Hamilton Freeman (Judi); and numerous nieces and nephews. Born November 21, 1944 in South Hill, Virginia, Barbara was a longtime resident of Petersburg, Virginia. She graduated from Mary Baldwin College in 1967, where she served on the Alumnae Board of Directors, Parents Council and Advisory Board of Visitors and was both Vice-President and President of the Mary Baldwin College Alumnae Association. In 1993 she received the Emily Smith Medallion for her outstanding contributions to her community, church, the college and the Commonwealth. She served on the Board of Directors of the Bollingbrook School and St. Vincent de Paul High School, both in Petersburg, Virginia; was a representative to the Parent’s Association Board, Member of the Advisory Committee of St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia; and member of the Parent’s Committee at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Barbara was a founding President and Member of the Southside Virginia Dental Association Auxiliary. She served as a volunteer and Board Member for the Petersburg Chapter of the American Cancer Society. She was Past President and Associate Member of the Dale Parish Garden Club and Past President of the Petersburg Garden Club. She was also a member of the Christ & Grace Episcopal Church, Southside Virginia Concert Series Board, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Petersburg Study Club. Throughout her life she enjoyed travelling with her family and friends, playing golf, tennis, skiing, playing her Piano, Bridge, cooking and flower arranging. She had a generous spirit and was quick to help those in need. She had a beautiful character, resilience and tenacity, and embodied the spirit of Christian faith through a life evidenced by a comfort in the substance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen. She was surrounded by family and friends in unwavering support and abundant kindness. She led a full life filled with love, devotion and loyalty and embraced all that it had to offer, especially her family and friends. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care given to her during her illness by her caregivers at The Ladies Home in Petersburg, Virginia. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 1018 at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church in Petersburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to The Petersburg Home for Ladies Fellowship Fund, 311 South Jefferson Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 or The Alzheimer Association, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .