Obituary of Elva E Boyce-Ragins

Elva Boyce-Ragins went to her Heavenly reward on September 24, 2018.

She was a staunch believer and a long-time member of St. John's United Methodist Church.

Elva wass born on October 25, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA to Owen Barnes, Sr. and Eileen Farrell Barnes.  She was the couple's second child.  Her father died in 1946 while serving in the United States Army.  As the oldest daughter, she helped her mother take care of the home and her younger siblings.

In 1954, she married Calvin Boyce, and the couple raised six children: Linda, Calvin Jr., Russell, Rosemary, Faith and Mark.  Elva maintained the home and supported Calvin in his business endeavors.  Calvin Sr. passed away in 1999 after a long illness.

In 2001 Elva married Emmitt Ragins, whom she leaves behind to mourn.

In addition to her parents, Elva is predeceased by siblings: Owen Barnes Jr., Ann Barnes, Edward Chavis, Wesley Chavis, and Rosemary Edwards.

Elva is also mourned by her children: Linda Boyce, Calvin Boyce, Jr., Rosemary Boyce-Pettiford, Melvin Russell Boyce, Faith Holloway and Her husband Darryl; Mark Boyce and his wife Jennifer; step children: Michelle Gwynn, Kimberly Ragins-Smith, LaSheena Ragins-Cottie; a host of beloved grandchildren and and great-grandchildren; siblings, Janice Weston, Gladys Jackson, Eugene Farrell, Antia Quick, Lorraine Merritt, Betty Jean Anderson, Thomas Ellington, and Roberta Patterson; devoted nieces, Tonia Whitaker and Kim Pearson and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.