Mary Agnes Dunston

Mary Agnes Rowe Dunston went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Agnes was born on November 26, 1937 in Newport News, Virginia the third of four daughters of Harvey Christian Rowe and Minnie Walker Rowe. She graduated from Newport News High School. She attended Longwood College majoring in elementary education. She also attended the College of William and Mary and studied music. After college, she taught seventh grade at Achilles School in Achilles, Virginia. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Harry Lee Dunston. In 1961, Harry's job brought them to Charleston which became their adopted home town.

Agnes never met a stranger. She was small in stature but her personality was large. She was known for her gifts of hospitality and baking. Many friends and family were the lucky recipients of her homemade bread and cookies. She also loved working in her yard and planting flowers. She worked at Coastal Island Nursery and Landscaping for a few years and her family always teased her that she never brought home a paycheck-only plants. After Harry retired, they enjoyed buying and selling antique furniture and books. They traveled up and down the East Coast on buying trips and made many friends along the way. They loved working in their two antique booths at Terrace Oaks Antique Mall and Mount Pleasant Antique Mall.

A longtime active member of Ashley River Baptist Church, Agnes taught Youth Sunday School and worked in the Singles Ministry. Her faith was an integral part of everything she did.

The joy of her life was her family. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Harry Lee Dunston, two sons Harry Lee Dunston, Jr. (Beverly) and Christian Rowe Dunston (Amy), four grandchildren Andrew Dunston (Jessica), Gregory Dunston, Kai Dunston and Amani Dunston and one great grandchild, Caroline Dunston. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Walthall (A.T.) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters Doris Mae Phillips and Nellie Presson.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of The Harmony West Ashley for the loving care they gave to Agnes.

A memorial service will be held at Ashley River Baptist Church on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

Memorial donations can be made to Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407 or The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.