Barbara Ragsdale

Barbara J. Ragsdale PORTSMOUTH - Barbara Jean Williams Ragsdale, 75, went to be with the Lord on April 12, 2010. She was very loved and will be missed by all who knew her. She was always willing to offer kind words of help and encouragement, was a volunteer for many groups, a Girl Scout leader, and she had an avid love of books. Barbara was a brave, independent, and unselfish woman who loved flowers and engaged all those around her. She was born in Nash County, North Carolina, on May 12, 1934, was raised in Portsmouth and graduated from Cradock High School in 1953. Barbara and her husband Frank were married in March 1955. They moved to California where he worked in aerospace at Lockheed for 33 years, moving many times over the years. Her greatest accomplishments and source of pride were her many friends and her family. In 1988, she earned her B.A. degree in urban planning in California at CSUN. She is beloved as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Frank Lynn; son, David Lynn; daughter, Lindy Anderson and her husband Gerald; three grandchildren, Christina Anderson, Brian Anderson and his wife Donna and Matthew Anderson and his girlfriend Holly Jernigan; two great-grandchildren, Hayley and Rylan; two sisters, Geraldine Atkins and Emily Nix; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Otha and Ethel Williams; a sister, Rubylene Hargrove; and a brother, Romie Williams. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 24, at 11 a.m. at Green Acres Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth. Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater assisted the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.candfservices.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.