Mildred P Ragan

Mildred Pettit Ragan, 95, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024. Born on June 3, 1929, to the late T. Bryant Pettit and Goulia Crocker Pettit, Mildred was raised on a farm in the White Plains community. She graduated from Cowpens High School, Winthrop University, and Converse College. In 1954, during the Thanksgiving school break, Mildred married William Harold Ragan, Sr. at White Plains Baptist Church.

Mildred dedicated over 35 years of her life to educating students in South Carolina’s public school system. Her passion for learning was evident, as she was an avid reader, often finishing several books a week. She was also a skilled bridge player and enjoyed participating in various bridge clubs. Mildred’s hobbies included quilting, sewing, and painting ceramics. Her family will always cherish the hand-painted Santas she lovingly created and gifted over the years.

 Her faith was a source of inspiration to all who knew her. A devoted member of Central United Methodist Church, Mildred was active in the Upper Room Sunday School Class and served on numerous committees and volunteer activities throughout her many years with the church. 

 She had a love for sports, particularly enjoying Atlanta Braves games and the athletic events of her children and grandchildren. Mildred cherished her family deeply and established a beloved tradition of annual beach trips that has continued for over 65 years.

 A lifelong resident of Spartanburg County, Mildred spent her later years at White Oak Independent and Assisted Living facilities, and her final year at White Oak at North Grove, where she received loving care from the staff.

Mildred was predeceased by her husband, William Harold Ragan, Sr., and her siblings, T. Bryant Pettit, Emily P. Bearden, Ruth P. Rogers, and Ralph O. Pettit. She is survived by her two children, William Harold Ragan, Jr. (wife Ann) and Ann Ragan Clark (husband Paul). She also leaves behind four grandchildren, William Tyler Ragan (wife Caitlin), Katelyn Elizabeth Ragan, Mary Ragan Clark, and William Paul Clark, along with a close-knit extended family of nieces and nephews. She was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandchild in September.

 A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 24, at 1:00 pm at Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC. A visitation reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

 Memorials may be made to the Central United Methodist Church building fund.