Agnes Cates Garrett, daughter of Roosevelt and Virginia Cates, was born on March 20th 1928, in Roxboro N.C. On Wednesday afternoon May 13, 2020, she heard her Father’s call and pointed toward Heaven and went peacefully to his Heavenly home.
Mrs. Agnes was educated in the Person County School System. Upon completing her education, she moved to Durham, where she met Toye Garrett.
On August 15th, 1947, she and Toye married and together they began a family. She was a homemaker for many years before going to work at UNC Hospital where she worked faithfully for 20 years until she retired in 1992. After retiring she returned to her first love of taking care of her flowers and her family.
During her lifetime she was very active in her community and in her church. Mrs. Agnes was a pillar of the community by providing support to anyone in need. She was called “nana” by many and her house was known as the community house and all were welcomed. For many years she had a drop-in daycare for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Outside the love for her family, she had a passion for her flowers and gardening and believe it or not, Mrs. Agnes actually had a real “green thumb”. Her house is the heartbeat of all family gatherings and events.
Left to cherish her loving memories are her beloved children, Shelia (Rick) Martin of Charlotte, NC, Michael Garrett of Durham NC, Vondre Garrett of the home, Sonja (Leondras) of Durham, NC, and LaQuitta (John) Banks of Durham, NC; three sisters, Willie M Cates of Durham NC, Frankie Woods of Washington DC, Mammie Edwards of Washington DC; and one brother, John Edward of Haiti MO; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mrs. Agnes was preceded in death by her beloved husband and six children.
In a world where you can be anything, Mrs. Agnes chose to be kind, loving and generous. She had Agape’ love, the love that accepts, forgives and believes for our greater good.
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