Minnie Deatrice Ragsdale

Deatrice Martin Ragsdale, 99, of Cleveland passed away Tuesday November 11, 2014 at a local hospital. She was born Minnie Deatrice Day on June 14, 1915 in Gadsten, AL and was the oldest daughter of Charles E. Day and Minnie J. Day. Deatrice was blessed with a long and healthy life. She loved her church family very much and attended service faithfully as long as she was able. She taught Sunday school, Bible School and served as Sunday School Superintendent at the New Prospect Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for over 50 years. She was a long standing member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. For many years she baked banana bread to give to everyone who visited her and she would always have a handful of candy to give them when they left. She appreciated everything that any individual did for her. During World War II she became a riveter on the assembly line making C46 wing flaps at Hardwick Stove Company. When the plant was turned over to the war effort she worked various jobs in the retail industry in Cleveland. Her ruby red smile will be missed very much by her family and friends. She was loved and will be missed very much! Those parting life before her; parents, Charles E. and Minnie J. Day; brothers, Cullman R. and Conrad E. Day; son, Michael Martin; niece, Connie J. Day; first husband, Charles Millard Martin and second husband, Robert Ragsdale, LeAnne, daughter of Judy and Dennis Varnell and Meagan, daughter of Daniel and Jeannie Day. Those left behind to celebrate her life; sister, Fatina D. Murray; niece, Debrah Arthur and husband, Ronald Sr.; great-nieces and great-nephews, Ronald Arthur, Jr. and wife, Lea, Kandice Allred and husband, Chris, Heath Arthur and wife, Lynn; great-great nieces and great-great nephews, Tanner, Adam, Dalton and Dillon Arthur and Stephanie Key, Scylar Allred, Emily Arthur and Abby Arthur; sisters-in-law, Josephine Day and Virginia Ragsdale; widow of her deceased son, Carol Martin; adopted daughter of her son, Kendra Owens and husband, Gary and their children, Brittany, Valerie and Melanie; special friend who was like a brother, Don McKurley, niece, special daughter of deceased brother Cullman Day; Judy and husband Dennis Varnell and their daughter, Cindy; nephew, Daniel Cullman Day and wife, Jeannie and their son, Dylan. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Pastor Jennifer Newell and the Reverend Cliff Hudson officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 161 2nd Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Ragsdale family guest book at www.grissomserenity.com . Arrangements are being handled by Grissom-Serenity Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Mark S. Grissom, Funeral Director.