Mildred Hawkins - Ragland

Mildred Fay Hawkins-Ragland passed on December 31, 2024, after a wonderful 84 years of life. Mildred (affectionately known as Babydoll or Bada) was born on September 16, 1940 in Kinston, NC to Ishmael Daughety and Mamie Taylor. Mildred’s parents and two siblings, Benjamin and Milton Daughety, predeceased her. Many loving years were spent at her grandparents’ home in Kinston with her first cousins whose bond was one of siblings. Mildred married Willie Ragland in 1999 where they were members of Emmanuel Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ (Emmanuel) where Rev. Kevin Sutton is Pastor. Previously, for 35 years, Mildred was married to the late Joseph Hawkins, raising three children in Newark, NJ. Mildred earned her GED, but continuously took various education classes. At 84, she knew Microsoft, paid her bills online, and enjoyed surfing the internet to shop. Her grands would laugh when she appeared on Zoom with her face so close to the screen - but she was a constant learner, never afraid to try new things! She wanted her children to have the same enthusiasm for learning. Mildred always searched for free extracurricular activities for them, applying them to summer programs out-of-state - anything that could expose them to new experiences. She would always tell them, “Education is a light. Run after it! It will take you to places you never imagined.” Mildred was employed by the Newark Public School System for 33 years, retiring in 2005. She worked as a Cook in Shabazz High School, Harold Wilson, and West Kinney. Mildred was civic-minded, always exemplifying passion for her community. For years, after work, she volunteered at the Senior Building on Broad Street in Newark and South Orange Nursing Home where she was recognized for providing over 1000 hours of volunteer time. Mildred joined Emmanuel in 1964. There, she served as an Usher for 40 years, eventually becoming President of the Usher Board. She believed in being at her post on time with a smile in her spotless, white Usher uniform. She also served as an Assistant Teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School. She frequently used her sewing talents in the church, including one year where she assisted others in making uniforms for the Y outh Choir that had over 100 youths under the age of 18. Eventually, Emmanuel presented her with the distinction of ‘Mother Hawkins Ragland.’ She was an excellent cook who was attentive to the art of making a dish look visually appealing. Hundreds were blessed in tasting her killer ribs, stew beef, and of course her infamous German Chocolate cake, to name a few. Mildred’s embrace of her Southern heritage was shared with those in need on the streets of East Orange and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. Someone once told her, “I’m surprised someone will still take food from a stranger.” And her quick reply was “Y ou’ve never been hungry” while her husband, Willie, followed up with empathy saying, “That could’ve been me.” But they were not strangers to those in need who knew their car and graciously accepted the food. Her legendary V Valentine’s Day dinners in her home for couples where the food, games and fellowship spanned over 25 years were unforgettable. Mildred was a rock to many friends and family with her soft, kind spirit that could discern when and how to give you godly, sound advice . Following her departure, at her bedside in the hospital, her family joined hands and celebrated Mildred in a way befitting: They thanked God for a GOOD mother and wife, and sang the songs she taught them when they were children in their kitchen: “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” and “I Come To The Garden Alone”. As they left their mom in the hospital room, one could hear the words being proclaimed, “To God Be The Glory!” She is survived by: her loving husband Willie Ragland; son Cornell Daugherty (Adell); daughters Jo-Ann Hawkins and MeLinda Hawkins Taylor; grandchildren Mediah and Kenyatta Daugherty, Solomon, Josiah, and Jordan Hawkins Taylor, Joelle and Janayah Hawkins John; great grandchildren Kenadee Daugherty and Ezuri White; step-children Marshel Perkins (Alonso) Rowena Murray, and Judette Henderson; god-daughter, Aziza Johnson; sisters-in-law, Carol Daughety and Bernice Hawkins. Mildred leaves behind a brokenhearted, supportive group of cousins, nieces, nephews, church family members, neighbors, and countless friends.