Lynda Joyce Ragland

Lynda Joyce Wheeler Ragland Lynda Joyce Wheeler Ragland, loving and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, received her eternal reward on Monday, September 19, 2016. The heavenly celebration of her life has only just begun. Lynda is a fifth generation Texan born in Cleveland, Texas, on September 22, 1947. She was the youngest daughter of Argle and Emilie Wheeler. Lynda graduated from Jesse H. Jones High School in Houston, Texas. During her high school years, she received Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. Lynda also and attended Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston. Lynda graduated from and was a teacher at the Gulf Coast Bible Institute. She later received her BA in Biblical Studies from New Covenant International. Lynda was preceded in death by her parents, Argle and Emilie Wheeler and her in-laws, Joe and June Allen Ragland. She was a committed and faithful daughter to each. Lynda is survived by her husband of 48 years, Joe Ragland, Jr and her two children, Joe Ragland III, wife Rebecca Ragland, and Rachelle (Shelly) Ragland-Bowman, Roger Bowman; sisters, Gloria Richter and Dolores Schultz; sister-in-law, June Anne Mann; brothers-in-law, Charlie Schultz and Ed Richter; and grandchildren Matt, Kyle, Roger Jr, Corben, Remi and Elan. She is also survived by countless extended family and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be all of Lynda's grandchildren. Lynda has been a spiritual leader, touching the lives of many people in her community, our nation, and the world. She has been described by many as a beautiful person inside and out who extended kindness to everyone she encountered. Her constant faith and gentle spirit guided her through this world. She lived a life full of purpose and meaning. Her grandchildren describe her as pure sunshine. Lynda had a heart for missions and those in need, traveling into Europe, Romania, and Kenya. She was dedicated to supporting and learning about others who are serving in missions and ministries all over the world. She loved to teach God's word and was especially involved in women's ministries. Lynda was involved in the founding, growth, and operation of The Open Door Ministries based out of Angleton, which was a church, outreach, and revival center for 11 years. Lynda also served as an officer in the local women's Aglow International. She and her husband Joe have been involved in multiple ministries and outreaches throughout Southeast Texas. Lynda believed in the five L's: Love, Live, Laugh, Learn, Lead. She loved and was truly loved by so many. Lynda's heart is expressed in her favorite Bible passage, Colossians 3:12-17. "Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father." In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made Iris Global. Donations can be received online at www.irisglobal.org (Giving Center): specify IRIS SOUTH SUDAN in remarks or mail to: Carolyn Figlioli Ministries, Inc. 410 Spyglass McQueeney, TX 78123 www.called2follow.com Visitation with family will be on Friday, September 23nd at Palms Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Gulf Coast Christian Center in West Columbia, Texas. Arrangements by Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas. Online condolences may be sent at www.palmsfuneralhome.com. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Lynda Joyce Ragland (Wheeler), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Friday, September 23rd, 2016 5:00pm - 8:00pmService Information Saturday, September 24th, 2016 10:30am, Gulf Coast Christian Center 725 West Brazos Ave West Columbia, TX 77486