Agnes Watkins Ross

Agnes Underwood Watkins Ross was born on April 15, 1950 in Richmond, Virginia. She passed away on August 2, 2024 at home in Little Rock, Arkansas in the bed her father made her when she was young. 

Survivors include her loving children, Robert “Robby” Watkins Ross, Sarah Kate Ross, and Anne Elizabeth “Beth” Ross of Little Rock, Jeanenne “Jenny” Ross Bailey of Rocky Mount, VA, and Lisa Ross Norvell of Moneta, VA; and grandchildren, Logan Perdue, Parker Perdue, Ashdon Sigmon, Ross Norvell, Reed Norvell, and Benjamin Ross. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Underwood Watkins and Sarah Ford Watkins, sister Barbara Watkins Huband, and husband Robert “Buddy” Warren Ross, Jr.

At Virginia Commonwealth University, Agnes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education (minor in social studies) and a Master of Arts degree in counseling. A lifelong learner and champion of language and education, she taught elementary school for 15 years in Virginia and Arkansas. Agnes also spent many years as a news writer and editor at The Pine Bluff Commercial and The Dumas Clarion, winning national recognition including the Associated Press Association’s 1st place awards for General Column, News Story, and Coverage of Politics. Agnes would gladly share her status as a “yellow dog democrat” when prompted.

She delighted listeners and readers with stories of swimming or horseback riding at her beloved Camp Strawderman. Agnes spent many of her happiest moments there in the Shenandoah Valley as a camper and then a counselor. 

Agnes married “Buddy” on August 12, 1978, and they moved to Pine Bluff, AR in 1982. A former Episcopalian, Agnes joined First Presbyterian Church, where she was a devoted member of the Sanctuary Choir, the Women’s Ensemble, and occasionally dabbled in the Handbell Choir. More than solely a place to worship, Agnes found true community and lifelong friends for herself and her family. Agnes led the entire Ross family to become very involved in the community theater program at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast AR. She performed in many shows over the years and even went on to reprise her role of Auntie Em at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock.

Agnes had many interests and hobbies, including but not limited to: knitting, quilting, genealogy, playing guitar and cello, meditating, herb gardening, scrapbooking, bird watching and making lists. In her spare time, she could likely be found with her nose in a book. She was a lifelong bibliophile, traveling anywhere she liked by opening a book. Never losing her zest for life or curiosity, in her retirement she had real life adventures traveling around the world.

Memorial service will be held Monday, August 12 at 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4501 Rahling Road, Little Rock, AR 72223 with reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the education fund of Agnes’ grandson, Benjamin Ross. Please visit ugift529.com and enter code U1R-H5P.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Ste B1, Little Rock, AR 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com