Agnes Rabil Kearney

Agnes Rabil Kearney of Raleigh, North Carolina passed from this life on January 17, 2021 at age 90. She was born in Smithfield, NC on June 13, 1930, the daughter of the late Albert George Rabil and Eva Nassif Rabil who had immigrated from Lebanon. Agnes grew up in the small southeastern North Carolina town of Wagram, graduated from Wagram High School and continued her education at Women’s College (now UNC Greensboro).

After graduation, Agnes moved to Raleigh to begin her career and remained in Raleigh for the rest of her life. She worked as an executive secretary for several organizations in her early years. However, it was when she began working as a cosmetic sales representative for Fashion Two Twenty that Agnes was able to blend her creativity with her talent for forming connections with her customers and her genuine love of people. She was a charter member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church where she served on the Altar Guild and as the volunteer coordinator for God and Neighbor ministry for many years, taught bible studies and volunteered in a variety of additional capacities.

Agnes met Joseph (Joe) Kearney when they both worked for Electric Storage Battery Company (now Exide). They were married on November 26,1960 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, NC. They were very happily married for 43 years and enjoyed a full life, raised a family, were active in the church and shared their joy with those around them. Agnes and Joe enjoyed playing bridge, gardening and hosting family and friends.

Agnes was preceded in death by parents Albert and Eva Rabil, her beloved and cherished husband, Joseph, and her dear brother, Mitchell Rabil.

Agnes is survived by her sister, Rosa Baxley of Florida, and her and Joseph’s four children: Katherine Knight (Roger), Rita Gay (James), Robert Kearney and Patricia Perison (Joel), and four grandchildren: Benjamin Craig, Joseph Knight, Jack Perison and Grace Perison along with four nieces and three nephews, all of whom she adored and loved fully.

She not only loved her family, but was also blessed by a multitude of many wonderful friends whom she treasured and considered family as well. And, she was a surrogate sister and mother to many who were fortunate enough to know her.

Agnes will be remembered for her graciousness and being quick to smile, delighted by humor, and cheerful spirit. Agnes really was genuinely friendly to everyone she met.

The outdoor graveside celebration of life will be held at 2 pm Sunday, January 24 at Raleigh Memorial Park on Glenwood Avenue. Monsignor Gerald Lewis and Deacon Michael Alig will be officiating. A public visitation will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on Millbrook Road, Saturday, January 23 from 3 pm-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family of Agnes wishes to thank all those who loved and supported her throughout her life.

The graveside service will be live streamed through Brown Wynne East Millbrook Funeral Home's Facebook business page. For assistance, please call Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at (919) 876-6900