Virginia Nell Smith Ragland, known to many as Virginia, Nell, Mama, or Mee-Maw, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025.

Nell was born and raised in Chilton County, AL. She married her soulmate when she was 16 and raised two children with him in Valley Grande. She worked at Arrow Automotive in Morrilton, Arkansas and Alfa Insurance and Bush Hog in Selma, Alabama. She was a member of Ocmulgee Baptist Church and loved the Lord.

She had a fierce yet gentle spirit and persevered with unwavering faith. She was many things throughout her lifetime: a beautiful daughter, a devoted wife, a loyal coworker, a fun aunt, a loving friend, a strong mother, and a warm grandmother. She touched the lives of all those around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Harold Lewis Ragland, parents William Marvin Smith and Mattie Sansom Smith, and her five siblings.

She is survived by her children, Greg Ragland (Deanie) and Darlene Payne (Brannon), and grandchildren, Landon Payne (Cora), Thomas Ragland (Madeline), Maggie Ragland (Derek), Amber Payne (Chandler), and Noah Black.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 16th at 10:00am at Ocmulgee Baptist Church Cemetery in Selma, AL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the American Kidney Foundation or Ocmulgee Baptist Church's Cemetery Fund (donations can be sent to 122 Ocmulgee Church Rd, Selma, Alabama 36701).

Messages of love and condolences may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to care for the Ragland family during this time.