Cornelia Behel Ragester passed from this life on November 6, 2024 at the age of 92. She was born February 22, 1932 to Allen F. and Pearl Coker Behel. In addition to her parents, Cornelia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert M. Ragester; 4 brothers and 3 sisters. A.D. , Emory, Hollis, and Manson Behel, Leva Allen, Ruth Wallace, and Myra Howell.
She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Jack Powell; grandchildren, Daniel Powell, Nathan Powell, Bethany Stover(Donnie); great-grandchildren, Veda Powell, Emory Stover, Annie Stover, Maggie Stover; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She owned and operated her own beauty salon for 45+ years. She was an excellent cook and loved having family and church friends into her home for meals. The more the merrier. She delighted in hosting the annual Behel Family Day. It was her favorite day of the year and her homemade fudge and rolls were a crowd favorite. She was an accomplished seamstress and her hobby was creating cross-stitch masterpieces.
She was a devoted member of Mars Hill Church of Christ. Memorial donations may be made to the church, 1330 Mars Hill Road, Florence, AL 35630 or to Heritage Christian University, 3625 Helton Drive, Florence, AL 35630
A memorial service will be held at Elkins Funeral Home Chapel, Hermitage Drive, Florence, on Sunday, November 10 at 2:00 pm. A private burial for the family will be held on Tuesday, November 12, in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens at 9:00 am.
