Hattiesburg, MS - Agnes Hayes Barksdale was born on January 15, 1939, in Jackson, Mississippi. Shortly after the onset of World War II, she and her mother moved to Mobile, Alabama, where she first developed a love of the Gulf Coast. After the war, Agnes' family settled in Meridian, Mississippi, where she grew into a young woman known for her independence, resilience, and work ethic.

A dedicated student, Agnes graduated from Meridian High School in 1956 with the highest honors. She earned an associate degree in business in 1958, also with highest honors, and continued her studies at Mississippi College, where she received the Outstanding Award in Business Education. She later completed her master's degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, believing deeply in the value of learning and in using her gifts to serve others.

After college, Agnes joined Meridian Public Schools to continue her passion for learning and providing for the next generation. On August 25, 1961, she married William Eugene Barksdale, sealing a loving partnership rooted in shared values, mutual support, and the desire to build a family stronger than they were given. They moved to Hattiesburg in 1962, where Agnes began work in the Hattiesburg Public Schools Central Office. She was quickly recognized for her hard work and dedication and moved to the classroom, becoming an adored and appreciated teacher at Hattiesburg High School, Hawkins Junior High, and N.R. Burger Middle School. She guided generations of students with patience, care, and high expectations until her retirement in 2001.

Service to others was Agnes' devotion. She was active in worship and service at Temple Baptist Church, which later became Hardy Street Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was active in the church social community, where she organized senior trips, contributed to hundreds of potlucks, and planned weekly game nights, all with the goal of fostering the church community. She served faithfully as treasurer of the Mississippi Federation of Teachers and volunteered with her daughter's Girl Scout troop. In her later years, she shared her love of reading by volunteering at Grace Christian Elementary School, helping young learners find confidence and joy in literacy. She also assisted students seeking higher education, providing guidance and support to them as they continued their educational journey.

In retirement, Agnes and Gene cherished time together, enjoying vacations with family, wildlife watching, and delighting in the simple joy of being together.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Hare White and Hanan Gaines White, and her husband, William Eugene Barksdale. She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Susan Eckerle (Brian) of Rockville, Maryland; her son, William (Bill) Eugene Barksdale, Jr., of Exeter, New Hampshire; and her grandson, Brian Hanan Eckerle of Rockville, Maryland.

Agnes lived with quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a deep sense of purpose. She treasured her family, her church community, and her friends. Her legacy of grace, kindness, and care for others will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Moore Hattiesburg Chapel with interment to follow in Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 12 p.m.