Ophelia Ransom

OPHELIA ANN RANSOM was born Saturday, March 5, 1927. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Columbus Public Schools. Ophelia was a longtime native of Columbus’ popular Eastside.

As a child, she was a member of the historic Refuge Baptist Church, where her parents, Rev. Henry and Rebecca Ransom, were active in ministry. As an adult, she later became a member of New Salem Baptist Church, before it relocated to its current location.

Ophelia worked as office staff at Trevitt Elementary. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, painting, and was an avid black and white movie buff. She also loved to entertain at home and socialize with her neighbors. Among her favorites were Ms. Green and Ms. Burke.

Ophelia was a dedicated and loving mother to her son, Charles, and stepson, Ulysses aka “Junior,” but those closest to her will tell you that her other baby was “Snowball,” her cat.

Blessed with ninety-six years of life, our beloved Ophelia A. Ransom entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Henry and Rebecca Ransom; son, Charles H. Strider; stepson, Ulysses “Jr.” Flemister; and grandson, Darrell Lee Boseman.

The matriarch of five generations leaves to cherish her memory her granddaughters, Mellanese (Kirk) Dorton-Turns, Melanie Strider, Carmen Strider, Tonya (Fred) Strider-Strother, and Schnequa Strider; goddaughters, Christina R. Hutchins and Diana Morgan; a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren, cousins, other family members, and dear friends who all loved her.