Alma Ragland was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, on December 18, 1950. She graduated from J.F. Boddie High School in 1969 and entered the United States Army that same year, serving honorably until 1972. Following her military service, Alma attended Macon Area Technical School, where she earned her LPN in 1978. She later continued her education at Georgia College, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Mrs. Ragland dedicated more than 30 years of service to the nursing profession, spending much of her career as the night nurse administrator at Central State Hospital. She embraced every challenge in her field with grace, compassion, and professionalism. Alma was deeply respected and warmly received by her peers, friends, and family.

Mrs. Alma Ragland unexpectedly passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 75. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Parham and (Geneva), and her brothers Marion, Joe, and Robert Parham.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Jacquetta Ragland, Frantrice Ragland, and Nelson Ragland Jr. (Daphne); her grandchildren: Shaikira Ragland, Gabrielle Ragland, John Mosley III, and Layla Ragland, two great-grandchildren: Leilani Hopkins and Amonte Ragland; her brother Deacon Julius Parham (Annie), her sister Juanita Hall and a host of nieces and nephews.

Alma was a devoted member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Sparta, Georgia. A spiritual woman, she was active in many church activities and was known for her kindness, her warm smile, and her joyful laughter. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend whose presence will be deeply missed.