Biography: Agnew Lessenberry was born in Greenville, Mississippi on January 6, 1931.  She peacefully died on October 17, 2020.  She is proceeded in death by her son, Ben Lessenberry; her mother,  Agnew Wade; her father, A. G. Pippin; her grandmother Amelia Carnahan, her grandfather,  Walter Carnahan; as well as a host of beloved dogs that include Prissy, Dobie, Emily, Sweet Pea, and Charlotte. 
 
She graduated from Ole Miss in 1953 where she pledged Chi Omega Fraternity.  While at Ole Miss, she was designated as one of their “Top Five Beauties” as certified by Bob Hope.  She married Jack L. Lessenberry in 1953. Her wedding pictures were featured in Parade magazine.  Of this union, she had four children. She left her beloved Mississippi to live in Little Rock.  And, of course, she became a diehard Razorback fan. 
 
Agnew emulated southern charm with a distinct southern accent. If you were ill, a home-made meal was coming your way. If your family member was ill, a home-made meal was coming your way.  Agnew had a gift for math. Her children are eternally grateful that she passed it their way.  She was an avid reader; her collection of books would rival any library.  Agnew was a skilled seamstress.  Her daughters and their dolls always had matching outfits.  Everyone had elaborate Halloween costumes.  The flapper dress was a classic.  Her sons always had the benefit of an adoring, cheering fan in every sport they played. 
 
She was generous to a fault.  As a teenager, she gave away her entire doll collection.  She was also generous with her time.  Well into her 80’s, she was a volunteer at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Altar Guild, and the Clinton Library.  She was an incredible cook.  Always homemade breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  Also, the best birthday cakes ever.  We will never forget her southern fried chicken, hot water cornbread, or Baked Alaska.  Her pre-Razorback game parties were legendary with the menu of chicken spaghetti, tossed salad, and brownies.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will never forget Grannie’s rolls, spaghetti, or cornbread stuffing.  Agnew’s dogs were the luckiest creatures on earth.  That is not thunder you hear; it is her dogs’ wagging tales as they greet her in heaven.
 
Agnew loved holidays and birthdays.  Every birthday you would be awakened by her singing Happy Birthday.  Every holiday you received a card with a little something extra.  There was always a holiday spread at her home and decorations to the hilt.  Her children endured Easter egg hunts well into adulthood.  The wreaths on her door said it all.
 
Agnew had a lot of sayings that her family will hold onto dearly.  Everyone was a “darlin.” She was particular about certain things that we all learned to laugh about.  But what was certain, her love, kindness, and generous heart were always unwavering.  Those that received it will never forget it.  We are so blest to have been part of her life.
 
Agnew leaves behind her daughters, Blair and Leigh Ann; her son, Jack; her granddaughters, Ashley and Molly; her grandson, Mason; and her great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Kade; along with a multitude of other relatives and friends, many of whom became Agnew’s surrogate children.  If love could have saved her, she would have lived forever. 

A private family service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church or the Humane Society of Pulaski County. Arrangements are entrusted to Ruebel Funeral Home.