Nellie Ragen Davis died peacefully at home in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday, September 5, 2013. She was born in Alexandria on April 25, 1922 to the late Timothy Joseph Ragen and the late Irene Alice Bennett Ragen. Nellie attended Groveton Elementary School and Mount Vernon High School. Until her retirement in her late 80’s, she worked as a bookkeeper at many businesses around Alexandria, including McCrary Tile and Diet-to-Go. Nellie was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 871 and the American Legion Auxiliary. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Viola Giss, Dorothy Vorrath, Hazel McCreary, Raymond Ragen, Margaret Campbell, Evelyn Campbell and Louise Brady. Nellie is survived by her sons Hilton L. Davis, Jr. and his wife Mary Beth Riordan and Gary William Davis and his wife Barbara Jean Davis; her grandchildren: Kimberly Spencer Gaston, Karen Davis O’Keefe, Kristen Lee Davis, Caleigh Riordan Davis, Terces Davis, Raniblu Davis and Eli Janssen; and 7 great-grandchildren: Henry and Lewis Gaston, McKenna and Tierney O’Keefe, Delaney and Gavin Post, and Bayden Morris. She is also survived by her brother Robert Ragen and sisters, Evangeline Gaddis, Barbara Cline and Jean Oliver, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 7-9 p.m. at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA., at which the Eagle’s Rose Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 at the Church of the Nativity, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke, Virginia. Interment will be at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia. If desired, contributions in Nellie’s name may be made to Catholic Charities USA; 2050 Ballenger Avenue, Suite 400; Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-1390. Known as “Marna” to her grandchildren, Nellie had a strong faith in God and great pride in the United States of America. She loved her family and friends, showering her grandchildren with gifts and sending the most beautiful greeting cards for every occasion. She also loved her house on Linden Street that she lived in for 64 years, her flower garden, doing crossword puzzles and word finds, and attending the Eagles. Her Christmas trees, while not always fitting into the house….were epic. She will be missed by all. www.cunninghamfuneral home.net
The sadness in losing another sister is almost unbearable. Nellie was such a beautiful person and personality. I usually stayed at her house when I visited Alexandria from Ft. Lauderdale and I have many memories of spending quality time with her. She did not like talking on the phone but I would call her anyway and tell her to turn the TV down, which she had on constantly. I miss her already. I know that God will welcome her with open arms. Her sister, Vangie Gaddis
Dearest Aunt Nellie, sadly, I will miss your
glorious smile, your quick wit and laughter, your youthful outlook on life, your abundant energy, your radiant hair … oh how I love your gorgeous red hair!
Hugs & kisses to you, Aunt Nellie
Niece, Sandy Adkins
May “the God of all comfort” grant you all peace as you look ahead to fulfillment of his loving resurrection promise recorded at Isaiah 26:19…”Your dead ones will live….They will rise up.” Remember … Almighty God is faithful and always keeps his promises!
To Nellie’s family:
Your Mom/Grandmother and I have been friends for over 50 years. I met her as a teenager, bowling at Alexandria Bowling alley. She took me under her wings and helped me through several crossroads in my life. She always saw the glass half full rather than half empty, no matter what the situation. She had a beautiful smile and infectious laugh. Her greatest source of pride were her sons and grandchildren. I will miss and will see her in Heaven one day.
Warmest Regards~
Marion Elaine Moon
Never saw a room that wasn’t brightened by her presence, never was a meeting that she didn’t make me smile.
If I had to choose a word it would be Luminous.
I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom, I remember her when I lived on Linden St back in the 60’s. She is in God’s hands now, no more pain. I will let Chis know of your loss.