Obituaries

Mary Katherine Ragon Johnson

Photo of Mary Katherine Ragon Johnson
Mary Katherine Porter Ragon Johnson died October 27, 2016. Born June 15, 1916 to Hilda and J.O. (Jake) Porter, she spent most of her life in Clarksville, Ark., married to A.N. (Ab) Ragon Jr. She and Daddy loved and were active in their church, First Presbyterian in Clarksville, and her Christmas stockings, decorated flatirons, and hand-knitted doll snowsuits were staples at the annual church Christmas bazaar. If it was happening at her church, Mama was there with bells on and sleeves rolled up. She was also active with the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville and at one point was its oldest living alumnus. She belonged to PEO and Beta Sigma Phi and loved playing bridge with lifelong friends. Twelve years after Ab died she married again, to Charles (Sonny) Johnson of Hartman, who was a blessing not only to her, but to our entire family and we'll always be grateful for his presence in our lives. Mary was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Dr. J.O. Porter, and both husbands. She is survived by her only child, Kaye, and son-in-law, Dr. Bill Nevins of Searcy; granddaughter, Nancy, and her husband, Pierson Callahan, and three great-grandsons: Gage, Luke, and Liam Callahan of Little Rock; grandson, Jay Dyke (Garry) and granddaughter, Allison Pickell (Slocum) and great-grandchildren, Ashton and Alexandra, all of Little Rock, and three nephews, Lee Ragon of Denver, Joe (Alice) Porter of Bryant, and Jimmy (Patience) Porter of San Francisco. Her faith and perseverance were evident through many physical hardships, the worst being the loss of her sight in the late 90s. She often said her biggest regret was not being able to see the faces of her great-grandbabies. The family wishes to thank caregivers Juanita, Alice, and Karen and the many kind acts and attentive care of Summit Hospice. Memorials should be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 212 N. College Ave. or the University of the Ozarks, 415 N College Ave., both in Clarksville, Ark. 72830. Arrangements are being directed by Hardwicke Funeral Home of Clarksville. Visitation will be held 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, at Hardwicke Funeral Home Chapel with a Graveside Service following at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Clarksville with Reverend David Hanshaw officiating.

Published October 30, 2016

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