Pastor Joyce E. Raglin

Pastor Joyce E. (McCowan) Raglin is a native of Addyston, Ohio. She transitioned into her heavenly form on December 23, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her late mother and father, Mary E. McCowan and St. Mark Davis; and two deceased brothers, Gerald McCowan and Wayne McCowan. She received Christ as her Savior under the leadership of Mother Germany Smith at the age of 14 and was baptized by the late Bishop Samuel Moore, called Daddy Moore.

Joyce was married to her childhood sweetheart (Robert Raglin) from 1966 to 1972.

After being a prodigal child, she rededicated her life to the Lord in September of 1973 and was filled with the Holy Ghost. In 1975, she formed the Samaritan Choir. In year 2002, there was added a new Sanctuary and remodeling the original church!

God’s anointing was on her life and she accepted her calling and preached her trial sermon in June of 1975. After the passing of Mother Germany; she was under the leadership of Elder Squire Bush for one year (1978). In August 1979 she was sent to pastor Samaria and have faithfully pastored for 46 years.

While pastoring, she was employed at the General Electric Company for 35 years as a Clerical Administrator, Procurement Coordinator and retired in November 2000 from the position of a Professional Secretary.

She served under the leadership of the late Bishop H.A. Wilson; followed by late Bishop Rufus Bryant and she was presently under the leadership of Bishop R.L. Jackson. Held the office of the National Secretary of the Early Church of God in Christ over 40 years.

She was the first woman to be ordained Elder in the Early Church of God in Christ in August 2022, under the leadership of Bishop R.L. Jackson. Due to the pandemic, services are held on Sundays and Bible Study on Tuesday nights telecom, with the attendance of at 19 or more.

She fellowshipped with all denominations (in the body of Christ); and the church doors were open for both sinners and saints; all nationalities; rich and poor and more!

Her loved ones left mourning and happy memories: two sons, Reginald and Michael Raglin (Ramona); one adopted grandson, Warren Raglin (Asha and children); five generations of grand-children and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Eugene McGowan (Marie) and Gregory (Kathy) and two daughters and one stepson); many more extended family members and friends.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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