Agnes Garside Smith

She was born September 22, 1930 to John and Mary Garside in Oldham, England. Her mother Mary was a free-spirited, unconventional woman, and though sick for much of Agnes’ childhood, she was fun and outgoing when she was feeling well. John, Agnes’ father, was a hard-working man. Earning only machinist wages, times were hard and John provided as best he could for the struggling family. Agnes’ early memories were colored by financial hardship and her mother’s illness. She lost her mother, father, and both grandparents before age 10. Throughout these years, Agnes became more than a big sister, taking on the primary care of her 5-year younger sibling, Leonard. The two became quite attached and following the death of John and Mary, were moved out to the country to the care of her aunt and uncle.

In 1951, after World War II, a young airman, Bob Smith, having been shown a photo, was introduced to Agnes, thus beginning a year-long courtship. They were married the following year.

Amidst their 30-some moves around the world (courtesy of the US Air Force), they were blessed with 4 loving children who will miss her very much.

Agnes was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Bobby Roy Smith. She is survived by a brother, Leonard Garside (Jan); four children, Anthony James Smith (Diana), Harold Paul Smith (Nadien), Patricia Kim Smith, and Catherine Diane Pope (Stuart); six grandchildren, Erika Wilson (Rob), Christopher Tanner, Ryan Pope (Kelly), Kathleen Kirkham (Matt), Natalie Powell, and Bobby Powell. She leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Jacob Wilson, Chloe Wilson, Hannah Wilson, Lincoln Pope, Jackson Kirkham, and Harvey Pope, as well as nieces and nephews.

If you have a memory or comment to share, please visit the Guestbook on this page. These will be collected and memorialized for the family.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday, August 21, 2017 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Agnes’ life will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, August 22, at New Covenant Church, 1079 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666 followed by a reception at the church. Interment will be after the reception at Parklawn Memorial Park.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.