Reita Elizabeth Fagan's Obituary
Reita Elizabeth Fagan, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Zephyrhills, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 22, 1945, in LaGrange, Georgia, to Ralph Edwin Harris and Ada Alberta (Hatch) Harris.
Reita met the love of her life, Joseph "Mike" Fagan, and together they built a beautiful life, marrying on April 27, 1963. Their journey was one of love, faith, and dedication—not only to their family but also to their thriving alligator business. As devoted parents, they cherished their three children—Shirl Ann Fagan, Joseph M. “Mickey” Fagan Jr., and Charles Edwin Fagan. More affectionately known as Memaw and Papaw, they embraced their roles as grandparents and great-grandparents with boundless love.
Known affectionately as "Memaw" she found joy in cooking, bringing family and friends together around the table, and creating cherished memories with those she loved most. She will always be remembered for her banana bread, kumquat muffins, and fruit cake gifts shared with everyone.
She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 57 years, Joseph Michael Fagan; their cherished daughter, Shirl Ann Fagan; her parents, Ralph and Ada Harris; and her sisters, Marie Harris and Frances Harris O'Connor.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, survived by her sons Mickey (Debbie) Fagan and Charles (Jo) Fagan; grandchildren Daniel (Kacee) Fagan, Brandy (Charles) Barba, Jennifer (James Chandler) Fagan, Crystal (Cody) Dwyer, Donna (Corey Byrd) Fagan, Brittany (Cody) Schaefer, Shirl (Clint) Floyd, Bryan Stevens, Misti (Barbara) Lance-Stevens, and Kristian (Vincent) Morana; as well as 22 great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings Reba Miller, Theresa Davis, and Ralph Harris Jr., along with numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
A Requiem Mass in Reita’s honor will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by final committal at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A Rosary will be offered at 9:30 A.M., with a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are invited to a reception in the church hall following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Reita’s memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Reita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Reita?
Share a story where Reita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Reita you’ll never forget.
How did Reita make you smile?