Born Marjorie Lois Usher in Scotland County, Mrs. Ragan grew up in the Laurel Hill and Gibson communities and graduated from Gibson High School. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She began her career at The Hamlet News-Messenger and continued at The Daily Independent in Kannapolis. At the time of her marriage to Sam Ragan, she was editor of The Onslow County Record in Jacksonville. She later worked for The Wilmington Star-News. Her news experience included radio, freelance feature writing and service on the news bureau staff at North Carolina State University.
When the Ragans purchased the newspaper in late 1968, Marjorie Ragan joined her husband as associate editor and vice president and remained active as a writer. In 1972-73, Sam Ragan served as secretary of art, culture and history under Gov. Bob Scott. During that time, Marjorie Ragan took over management of The Pilot and kept the newspaper operating smoothly while her husband was getting the new state agency off the ground in Raleigh. She retired in the 1980s.
Mrs. Ragan is survived by two daughters, Nancy Ragan Smith of Vancouver, Canada and Talmadge Ragan of Toluca Lake, Calif., and two grandchildren.
Powell Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
