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Mrs. Agnes Walker Cree Deane of Rockingham, North Carolina died Monday, August 30, 2004 at ninety-six years of age. Mrs. Deane was born in Littleton, N.C. to James Alexander Cree and Daisy Williams Cree who preceded her in death. Her husband, former Congressman C.B. Deane preceded her in death in 1969. Mrs. Deane was an exceptional woman who lived through exceptional times. From the earliest days of their marriage, she was a constant source of strength and support in her husband's political life as Register of Deeds and United States Congressman. She helped manage his insurance business and was supportive of his efforts in behalf of the Baptists of North Carolina through the Convention and Meredith College. Agnes Deane was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, giving them an example of faith lived with enormous grace, humor and courage. Aside from her family concerns, she constantly reached out to her friends, neighbors and community, giving love and support. One of Mrs. Deane's unique contributions was made during World War II, when she served as a Gray Lady, a service of the American Red Cross at Camp Mackall. There she cared for both patients and prisoners Mrs. Deane is remembered as a beloved Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church, a teacher for primaries and later for young adult women. She was a member of the Rockingham Garden Club. Perhaps the honor which Mrs. Deane herself valued most was her recognition by the North Carolina Historical Society for her Cree family history. This award combined her love of research and history with her natural gift and passion for writing. The courageous spirit with which Agnes Cree Deane lived her entire life will live forever for all those who knew her. Agnes is survived by her three children and their spouses, Cree Deane Sherman and husband, Richard B. Sherman, Carol Deane Becker and husband, T. John F. Becker, Charles B. Deane, Jr. and wife, Myra Upchurch Deane; six grandchildren, Bennett Deane and wife, Heather Deane, Winston Deane and wife, Amy Deane, Matthew Deane and Jason Deane and wife, Courtney Deane, Anne Becker-Getter and husband, Michael Getter, Patrick Becker and wife, Sherrie Becker; great grandchildren, Christian, Chase, Cole and Madison Deane; her brother, Dr. Maurie B. Cree; and her sister, Alma Douglas Cree Snowa. Memorial services for Mrs. Deane will be at First Baptist Church, Rockingham, N.C., at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 2nd. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stan Vetter and all of Mrs. Deane's caregivers and Hospice for their care and concern for many years. The family will receive friends at the home of 626 Anson Avenue, Wednesday, September 1st, from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. and other times as anyone may desire. The family requests memorials be made to Wake Forest University School of Medicine for the Charles B. Deane and Agnes Cree Deane Cancer Research Fund, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27157-1021 or First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph Street, Rockingham, N.C. 28379. Carter Funeral Home of Rockingham is serving the family. |