Mavis R. Agnew

Obituary of Mavis Roberta Agnew

Our Heavenly Father saw fit to reward Mother Mavis Roberta Agnew with her wings on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Mavis Roberta Agnew was born on February 6, 1925, in Trenton, Tennessee, to the late Richard and Mamie Webb Ganaway. Early in life, she moved to Joliet, Illinois, where she later married Harry Agnew on March 13, 1944. From this union, nine children were born.

Mother Mavis was the true matriarch of her family—a prayer warrior, a woman of strength and faith, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family dearly and was always present when she was needed most, offering unwavering support, wisdom, and unconditional love.

She accepted Christ at the age of 12 at Springhill Baptist Church in Eaton, Tennessee, under the leadership of Reverend Richard Ganaway, her father—beginning a lifelong walk of faith.

A friend to many, Mother Mavis was a cherished and faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Isaac Singleton. She served devotedly as a Deaconess and as a member of the Missionary Board. She had a heart for serving, especially for the sick and shut-in, whom she loved to visit, comfort, and feed. Her dedication to the community extended beyond the church—she served as President of the School Board at Eliza Kelly School and volunteered wherever she was needed.

Mother Mavis worked faithfully for 25 years at Caterpillar in Joliet, Illinois, before retiring.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mamie Webb Ganaway; her siblings, May Ruth Ganaway, Juanita Ganaway (Trenton, TN), Mae Dell Davis (Elkhart, IN), Robert Nicholson (Waterloo, IA), O.C. Agnew, and Ottis Harris (Trenton, TN); her sons, Wiley Agnew, Charlie Agnew, and Jerry Agnew; and her great-grandchildren, Chassity Collins and Courtney Parrish.

Mother Mavis leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy her loving children: Dorothy (Bobby) Williams of Joliet, Illinois; Virginia Conkrite of Atlanta, Georgia; Harry Agnew of Sacramento, California; Harold (Debora) Willis of Joliet, Illinois; Anna Agnew of Joliet, Illinois; and Margaret (Wardell) Collins of Joliet, Illinois; along with five generations of grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She also leaves behind her close friend, Zola Hamilton, and her devoted caregiver, Shakerra Pierce, whom she lovingly considered one of her own grandchildren.

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