Margie Ragan

Margie Ragan was born in Macon, Georgia on June 24, 1933 to the late Gholson L. and Mattie Lizzie Saunders.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Randolph Ragan, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage, and a brother, Lee T. Saunders (Betty) of Macon.

She graduated from Mercer University, where she joined Chi Omega sorority and starred for the Mercer women's tennis team. John and Margie moved to Memphis in 1962 when he transferred here with the Federal Government. Together, they raised John R. Ragan, Jr. (Kaye) of Eads, Dawn R. Neeley (Mike) of Collierville, and Thomas G. Ragan (Missy) also of Collierville. They joined the Kingswood Sunday School class at Christ Methodist Church where Margie remained a member for more than 60 years, many of which she served as its Secretary. Margie enjoyed a career in banking, which taught her a lot about finances and how to manage the family budget.

Margie assumed the name, "Mawmaw" when she was blessed with five grandchildren: Tom Neeley (Ashley) of Germantown, Rachel Horst (Mitchell) of Collierville, Ragan Neeley (Kelsi) of Collierville, Carter Ragan (Jessica) of Collierville and Colton Ragan (Kaylee) of Starkville, MS, and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a niece, Cindy Saunders Taylor (Jim) of Gray, GA, and Randy Thomas of St. Simons Island, GA.

Mawmaw was a die-hard fan of Memphis Tigers basketball and Atlanta Braves baseball. Her sweet spirit stepped into Heaven on January 4, 2024, at the age of 90. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The family requests that any memorial donations in her honor be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 9, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, beginning at 12:00 with funeral service to follow at 1:00. Interment will be at Memorial Park – Southwoods Cemetery, 5485 Hacks Cross Road.