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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
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Dorothy Ragsdale Obituary
Dorothy Launice Ragsdale, 77, lovingly known as “Dottie” was born on May 11, 1947, to the late General Lee Curtis and Frances Dorothy Johnson. She gained her wings on Thursday, January 30th at Bons Secours Memorial Hospital, Mechanicsville Virginia.
Dottie joined First Baptist Church at an early age. She was a faithful and active member where she served as a trustee, usher and choir member until her health began to decline.
Dottie completed her early education in the Dinwiddie County Public School System, graduating as President of the Southside High School Class of 1965. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Virginia State University and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974.
Throughout her life, Dottie served many positive roles in her career as well as in the community. She retired as the Director of Social Services for the department of Mental health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services at Southside Virginia Training Center (SVTC). She served as president of the Dinwiddie Chapter of the NAACP for several years. Dorothy dedicated her life to helping others. She was an avid lover of sports; she was an All-Star basketball player, where gained the name “Shot Gun” and played softball for many years. She also coached the McKenney Lady Bucks softball team. Her favorite professional football team was the Washington Commanders.
She was preceded in death by her 3 older brothers: George Curtis, James Curtis (Arletha), and Herman Curtis (Ruby).
She is survived by her son Sherwood Ragsdale, four grandchildren: DeVonte Ragsdale, JaQuan Ragsdale, Kayla Ragsdale, and Kaitlyn Ragsdale (whom she resided with); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Among them are her devoted nephew and nieces: Andre and Shelly Curtis, and Georgia Moore; Along with her devoted friend, Evelyn Taylor.
Dottie loved people and truly made every room light up with joy and laughter. Dottie will be remembered for her love for God, life, family, friends and anyone she could help. Dottie believed that God would be happier with her home. Her presence, smile, and voice will be missed by many.
Homegoing Services for Dorothy Ragsdale will be held at 1PM Saturday February 8th, 2025 at the Olive Branch Baptist Church - Dinwiddie,VA. Public viewing will be held Thursday February 7th, 2025 from 12-7PM at the Petersburg Chapel - Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the professional staff- Petersburg Chapel- Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St. Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 863-4411. www.johnsonservices.us
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Ragsdale
Gwendolyn Moore
February 12, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Ms. Dottie's family and friends. She was a sweet and kind person
and will forever be remembered.
Rest in Glory
Veronica Cooper
February 10, 2025
May you rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Dea. Anita Drumgoole
February 6, 2025
Our loss is heaven's gain. Sharing in your sorrow.
willie b mason
February 5, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Vance F Hayes
February 5, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Johnson
February 5, 2025
My deepest condolences to Dottie Family.
Sheryl Greene Ford
February 4, 2025
Condolences to the family of Ms. Dorothy Ragsdale. She was special in the way she cared for and helped people with her many talents. May she rest in God’s loving care.
Pamela Fisher and Donnie Lassiter
February 4, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Delores J Bland
February 3, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Dorothy's family and friends. I remember her from SVTC. She was such a kind person, always greeting you with a big smile. Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Aggie Williamson
February 3, 2025
So sad to learn of Dorothy’s passing. She was my supervisor and dear friend at SVTC. You fought the good fight Dorothy and now are resting in the arms of Jesus. I look forward to being with you again.
Lena Buford
February 3, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Brenda Bonner
February 3, 2025
My Deepest Condolences to the Family
Rosalyn Dance
February 2, 2025
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the members of Dorothy’s family. We lost touch over the years and as fate will sometimes have it we didn’t get to meet before her passing. I pray God’s welcoming of her and that He grants me the opportunity to meet her again on the other side . ❤
Vilma Short
February 2, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the love and support from family, friends and special memories bring you comfort.
Mattie Smith
February 1, 2025
Rest in Peace, Dorothy.
Bernice Tucker
February 1, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
Julia Todman
February 1, 2025
I'm reading this but it's so unreal. We have been connected for over seventy years. My Sister married in the Curtis family and we all became family. I'm sad but also happy, knowing that Dottie is now resting in the arms of the heavenly father. Sleep on my dear friend. You have left a void but it's alright. Take your rest. You have been a trooper.
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Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home - McKenney11107 Doyle Boulevard P.O. Box 188, McKenney, VA 23872