Judith Agnew

Judith Barnes Agnew of Durham, NC died peacefully oneeptember 17, 2017 surrounded by her family. Judy was seventy-nee years old. Borneecember 6, 1937 in Rocky Mount, NC, she was predeceased by her parents Alice Abernathy and Guy Earl Barnes and by her sister Alice Barnes Robertson. Judy graduated from Sweet Briar College and later received her Masters in Education from UNC- Chapel Hill. She taught at Chapel Hill High School for many years and while there co-developed and marketed SAT preparation materials which were used by schools throughout North Carolina. Judy was an active member of the Durham community. As a member of Westmineer Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of the Junior League of Durham as well as of several book and garden clubs including the Town and Country Garden Club. Her many hobbies included spending time with her large group of treasured friends, reading, working puzzles, playing bridge and traveling. She was grateful for the opportunity to travel the globe with her husband and various student groups. She also had a tremendous passion for gardening and nature, aneespecially enjoyed tending her rose garden and watching the many species of birds which frequented her feeders. For years she combed the shores of Topsail Island, searching for beautiful seashells. She adored the many dogs she had over the years, especially her beloved black lab Cassie. The greatest love of her life was her family ??? wonderful parents and siblings, her loving husband of 55 years, her devoted children, and her adoring grandchildren. Survived by husband, Jim, children Lynn Ross (Tyler) of Atlanta, Laura O'Dowd (Lawrence) of Raleigh; Lisa Beneeir (Jake) of Rye, NY; and grandchildren Ty Ross and Zach and Maggie Beneeir. She is also survived by her brother Marion Barnes (Kathryn) of Rocky Mount, nephew Jeff Knight (Tonie) of Austin, TX; sister-in-law Virginia Trenholm and niece Emily Trenholm (Les) both of Memphis, TN. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Judy???s memory make donations to Durham Rescue Mission (www.durhamrescuemission.org/donation/); Caring House (2625 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705); or Ronald McDonald House (506 Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27705). The family would like to thank Judy's dear friends for their support and the staff at Hillcrest Convalescent Center for the excellent care and compassion she received while there. A celebration of Judy's life will be held at Westmineer Presbyterian Church in Durham at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 23rd with a reception to follow.