Agnes Marie Brazier Ousley

Agnes Marie Brazier Ousley was born April 15, 1955 in Springfield, IL, the seventh of nine children. Agnes, the daughter of Luther and Frances Brazier, departed this life on February 8, 2014 at home. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and two brothers, Luther and Charles Brazier. Agnes is survived by her daughter, Shamlet M. Ousley Holmes of Springfield; two grandchildren, Isaac Shantez Neal, Jr. and Shanice Marie Neal; one great-granddaughter, Ishanti Lenore Marie Neal; six sisters, Helen Toney and Kathryn Brazier of Springfield, Frances (husband, Sidney) Mordaunt of CT, Toni Cowsette of NC, Donna Brazier (husband, Ricky Brown) of VA, and Cleo Brazier of NC; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and exceptional friends. Aggie's passion in life was in providing humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate of the world. Upon completion of undergraduate studies for a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Sangamon State University (aka, University of Illinois at Springfield), she joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Morocco, and later Cape Verde, and thus turned her passion into reality. Following the volunteer experience, Agnes went back to school and was awarded a Master of Arts in International Economics and Social Development. She then worked with various State of Illinois agencies as a Rehabilitation Services Advisor, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer, and Department of Human Services Coordinator. She continued her career path in the Peace Corps Administration Headquarters in Washington, DC as a Peace Corps Volunteer Program Assistant and Program Manager, responsible for the initiation and coordination of new volunteers entering the Peace Corps. In her spare time, Agnes loved traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and was a lover of antiques, history, genealogy, and nature. It broke my heart to lose you but you didn't go alone. Part of me went with you the day God called you home Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Private family services will be held. The family will be hosting a Mass of Special Intention for Agnes on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel at St, John's Hospital, which is open to all. Memorial contributions may be made to Sojourn Shelter and Service, 1800 Westchester Blvd., Springfield, IL 62708, Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters, the Sierra Leone Country Fund, 1111 20th St., NW, Washington, DC 20526, or the American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Memorial & Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.