Lela Mae West-Ragsdale

Mrs. Lela Mae West Ragsdale was born on May 12, 1937, to the late Berlin West Sr. and Mary Lou Campbell West, in Oakwood, TX. She attended Arp Industrial High School. She united in Holy Matrimony to Odell Ragsdale and to this union five sons were born.

She was a compassionate and loving "people person", she always believed in giving and reaching out to lend a helping hand to others. She also raised Kizzy, Traivon, Shammana, and Alyssa.

She worked as a CNA at Sunshine Nursing Home and Overton Memorial Hospital. She retired from housekeeping at ETMC Tyler, TX. She enjoyed baking from scratch during the holidays and during the summer time, she enjoyed vacationing with her family and friends, which were the highlights in her life. She supported her sons when they were in school playing sports; she enjoyed scrapbooking from each game.

She united with Scott's Memorial CME Church at an early age. She served as an Usher, Stewardess, Missonary Society, and in the Senior Choir. She diligently served in these positions until her health declined.

Preceding her in death are: her parents Berlin West Sr. and Mary Lou Campbell West; husband Odell Ragsdale; son Steven Don Ragsdale; brothers Chester Warfield, Payne Hicks, Willie Hicks, Oscar West, and Nathaniel West; sisters Gladys Smith and Franciele West.

Mrs. Lela Mae Ragsdale departed this life on Friday, September 18, 2020 in Kilgore, TX. She is survived by: four sons Milton Ragsdale, Larry Ragsdale (Ophelia), Robert Ragsdale, and Vincent Ragsdale of Dallas, TX; three brothers John Hicks (Elmira) of Oakwood, TX, Berlin West Jr. (Dianne) of Overton, TX, and Johnnie West (Angie) of Los Angeles, CA.; sister-in-law, Ethel West of Overton, TX; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.