Agnes Bledsoe 90, of Groves, passed away on July 13, 2010.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Broussard’s in Nederland.
Agnes Bledsoe was born Agnes Virginia Johnson on December 29, 1919 in White Bluff, Tennessee. She grew up in Kingston Springs and later in Nashville. She was a proud graduate of East Nashville High where she excelled in English. She lived through many hardships, including the death of her mother when Agnes was only 3 years old, but grew into a strong, lovely and industrious young woman. She was among the group of post WWII women who joined the workforce. She excelled at any job taken, from clerking at Western Union Telegraph in Nashville, Tennessee; managing the coffee shop at the Southeast Texas Baptist Hospital, or assisting in the library of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She was also an avid volunteer, working many hours at the McFaddin-Ward House in Beaumont, as well as at many other charitable organizations in the Golden Triangle.
Married for 48 years to Reverend Tracy A. Bledsoe, she was a stalwart helpmate in his work as pastor of Lamar Baptist Church, where he preached for 34 years. A warm and generous person, Agnes will be remembered for her loyalty to friends and family. She enlivened others with her wonderful sense of humor, and amazed all with her incredible talent as a seamstress. She started sewing at age eleven, and didn’t stop until her eighties, when arthritis made it impossible. Many family members and friends have examples of her beautiful work; baby dresses and blankets, crocheted table clothes and afghans, wedding dresses, knitted sweaters, and embroidery work. On one notable occasion, she tailored a man’s suit! She was a self-taught Southern cook whose banana pudding, blackberry cobbler, fried chicken, pecan and pumpkin pies, peanut brittle, and “Nana’s” mashed potatoes were legendary. Her Children and grandchildren were always at home in her kitchen.
Agnes is survived by a loving family who will miss her dearly, including, son, Joe Castleman and wife Nelda; stepson, Zane Bledsoe and wife Doris; daughter Norma Davidson and husband John; daughter Lori Carl and husband Keith; as well as 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, and a host of dear friends. Her memory will be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 4000 Grant Street, Groves, Texas 77619.
