March 31, 1942 – March 31, 2024
OCRACOKE — Agnes Marie Garrish peacefully passed away on her 82nd birthday on March 31, 2024 with her family by her side. She was born on March 31, 1942 to Irvin Scott and Elsie Ballance Garrish. Her best friend and sister Martha was born four years later.
Agnes was preceded in death by her parents Elsie Ballance and Irvin S. Garrish, as well as her husband William P. Garrish, Jr.
She is survived by her loving sister Martha O’Neal and her husband Ronnie Van, Sr., sister-in-law Merian B. Hoggard and many nephews and nieces.
Agnes retired from East Carolina Bank after many years of service. She was a member of Ocracoke United Methodist Church, and will always be remembered fondly as one of the “church ladies” who sat on the back pew, left-hand side each Sunday. She was a steadfast anchor to those who knew her and a welcoming smile to newcomers. That pew will never quite look the same without her.
Her contributions while working with the Ocracoke United Methodist Women and serving on many different committees will never be forgotten. She supported her church congregation with many hours of dedicated work no matter what needed doing.
Her love for her family and friends was ever present. Before Ocracats was established, she and her friend Sharon were faithful advocates for the island’s feral cats and fed them each day for years. She was known for being a loyal confidant, quick to help and always looking out for others. She was the person we talked to when we had to get something off our chest but needed it to be kept confidential. Her advice was on point and she was always generous with her time. Used to being independent and the one helping others, she never quite got the hang of allowing her friends and family to give back to her a tiny fraction of what she had so freely given over the years.
She carried herself with an effortless grace and always had a kind word and a smile. Following in her parents’ footsteps, she spent many hours volunteering in her community. If you were lucky enough to have worked beside her you came away having learned how life is lived with generosity no matter the circumstances. Agnes took the time to remember the celebrations as well as the sorrows in life and was quick to visit, call or send a card to remind everyone she cared about them. The children in her life saw her heart when she took the time to remember their birthday, fix a special Halloween bag, drop off that chocolate Easter bunny, make sure they had their own bit of spending money or congratulate them on one of life’s achievements.
Ocracoke has lost a pillar of the community, and she’ll be truly missed. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and generosity that will be cherished by her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church on April 9th at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ocracoke United Methodist Church, PO Box 278, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com
