Delphine L Raglin

Mother Delphine L. Raglin departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at her home in Elyria, Ohio, following a lengthy illness. She was 97 years old.

Mother Delphine was born on August 18, 1929, in Salisbury, North Carolina, to the late Clarence A. Coleman and Mary Jane Chambers Coleman. She received her primary education in the Salisbury City School System and graduated from J.C. Price High School in 1948.

Following her graduation, Delphine planned to attend Livingstone College. However, just before she was scheduled to begin classes, her family received an urgent request for assistance elsewhere. At only 18 years old, she placed her dreams on hold and left her beloved hometown of Salisbury to travel alone to Elyria, Ohio, where she lovingly cared for her Aunt Ella.

After settling in Elyria, she met the late Moses Raglin, Sr. From their union, five children were born, and together they built a loving family rooted in faith, perseverance, and dedication. Mother Delphine remained a resident of Elyria for 79 years and became a cherished pillar of both her church and community.

A firm believer in the value of education, Mother Raglin returned to school after raising her family. In 1974, she earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Lorain County Community College. Although she began her career with the Elyria City School System in 1970 as an Educational Para-Professional, earning her degree further strengthened her commitment to serving students and educators. She retired in 2006 after thirty-five years of faithful service to Elyria City Schools.

Her passion for spiritual growth led her to pursue theological studies. From 1994 to 1997, she attended The Word to the World Bible College, where she studied Theology and Christian Education. She later continued her educational journey through additional coursework in both the Old and New Testaments. Mother Raglin became a licensed missionary and also completed a revision of The Story of Moses.

Mother Raglin was a devoted and longtime member of Original Glorious Apostolic Church in Elyria, Ohio, under the pastoral leadership of Evangelist Doris E. Williams. Throughout her years of service, she faithfully served as Vice President of the Missionary Department, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, teacher, advisor, co-chairperson of the Graduation Banquet, and Director of Vacation Bible School. As a committed Church Mother, she was always seeking ways to uplift others through encouraging words, greeting cards, acts of kindness, and monetary gifts whenever there was a need. For many years, she never failed to deliver a powerful sermon during Prayer Month.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the church. She was a founding member of the Elyria Club of Negro Business and Professional Women, Inc. During her tenure, she held numerous leadership positions, including Chaplain, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.

Mother Raglin also served her community as a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 254 with the Erie Shores Girl Scout Council for seven years. She was known for organizing annual educational tours for the girls under her leadership and considered it both a blessing and privilege to serve her community.

Once she learned how to navigate her phone, she enjoyed spending time on Facebook, viewing photos and videos of family and friends, and sending encouraging messages to those she loved.

Never one to stop learning, Mother Raglin continued her education from 2011 to 2013 through continuing education courses at Lorain County Community College, where she studied piano and music.

Throughout her life, Mother Raglin received numerous honors and awards in recognition of her service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others. Yet her greatest accomplishments were found in her faith, her family, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, wisdom, and generosity.

Mother Raglin was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family deeply. Her legacy of faith, service, education, and compassion will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live forever in the hearts of those she loved and served.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence A. Coleman and Mary Jane Chambers Coleman; her husband, Moses Raglin, Sr.; her brothers, Lawrence L. Coleman and Rev. Clarence Coleman; and her son, Moses E. Raglin, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Mary (Eric) Norvell, Sheryl (Joe) Lewis, Metric (Allen) Muller, and Paxton Raglin; her grandchildren, Autumn Raglin, Desserae Eskridge, Eric Norvell, Jr., Lillian Muller, and Allen Muller III; and her great-grandchildren, Zahir Ball, Zaniyah Jenkins, Tyrion Jenkins, and Eliana Dudley, along with a host of extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Family and friends may be received on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the Homegoing Celebration beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Original Glorious Apostolic Church, 995 Foster Avenue, Elyria, Ohio.

Burial will follow on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 3700 Center Road, Avon, Ohio 44011.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the prayers, sympathy, food, cards, and countless expressions of love and support during this time of bereavement.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."   2 Timothy 4:7

Mother Raglin often lived by the simple yet powerful principle:  "As long as you're helping someone."

Those words guided her life of faith, service, and compassion, and they remain a lasting reflection of the legacy she leaves behind.