Marion Ragland turned 100 years young on March 27. Her line-dancing friends at the Cinnaminson Community Center threw her a party.
Marion Ragland’s feet stepped and her hips swayed to the beat of Soul Control’s Chocolate (Choco Choco) with her line- dancing friends at the township community center on March 26.
Her friends gathered – not only to line dance – but to celebrate the longtime Cinnaminson resident’s special milestone. The next day, Ragland turned 100. She wore a hot pink head band with fur and the words “Happy Birthday” to show for it.
Ragland didn’t know the friends she line dances and exercises with twice a week were planning a birthday celebration. She described them as warm, kind and friendly. Others praised her.
“She is an amazing woman,” said Lenore Layton, noting that her friend still drives.
It was a township affair. Mayor Ryan Horner and township officials like Police Chief William Obuchowski came by. The former presented Ragland with a proclamation.
State Sen. Troy Singleton presented Ragland with a joint legislative resolution he signed with assembly members Carol Murphy and Assemblyman Balvir Singh. Her sons Reginald and Michael joined the festivities that included food; a birthday cake; and, of course, line dancing.
As Singleton greeted Ragland, he shared that that he would hang out with any Temple (University) alum.
“I grew up not too far from there,” he said. “My family was from 26th and Diamond (streets) in North Philly.”
Reginald said his mother was also from the area of 22nd and Diamond. Ragland was born on March 27, 1926, entering the world with a spirit of grace, determination and warmth that would define a century of remarkable living, her proclamation states.
Ragland pursued excellence in higher education at Temple, where she developed the knowledge, passion and dedication that would shape generations of young minds. She devoted more than 30 years of her life to the children of the Philadelphia school system as a kindergarten teacher, nurturing young learners during their most formative years.
With her late husband James, Ragland passed on to her sons enduring values from one generation to the next.
Ragland continues to inspire all who know her, still traveling, still line dancing with joy and still embracing life with vigor at the community center, proving that age is no barrier to a full and spirited life.
State Sen. Troy Singleton presented Marion Ragland with a birthday resolution he signed with two state assembly members.
