Rita Strawn Agnew was born to the union of the late William Martin Strawn and Ruth Hairston Strawn on January 10, 1949 in Martinsville, Virginia. She was called home on May 15, 2009 at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, Virginia. Rita was 60 years old. She was preceded in death by: her parents; three brothers: William, Jr., Melvin, and Calbert; and four sisters: Alberta Coleman, Bernice Myers, Coretta Witcher, and Mabel Delois Strawn.

In 1967, Rita graduated from Albert Harris School. She continued her education at Kittrell College, graduating in 1969 with an associate degree in English. She returned home after college and married her high school sweetheart, Jake Agnew. From this union her daughter, Melissa, was born.

Although Rita attended High Street Baptist Church as a child, she later joined Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and was baptized there. In her earlier years as a member of Mt. Zion, she served in the Sunday School ministry. As her daughter grew older and was actively involved in the various youth ministries at the church, Rita often participated in those activities with Melissa.

Rita retired in 2007 after an almost 40 year career as a quality control specialist. She worked over 20 years in the Quality Control department of Tultex Corporation. Rita spent another 14 years working in the Order Entry department of Hooker Furniture Corporation. She was dedicated to her work and made life-long friends at both companies.

She considered raising her daughter, Melissa, her greatest accomplishment. Rita made it her mission to love and provide every opportunity she could to her daughter. She happily made countless sacrifices as a single parent to Melissa. Rita was a wonderful mother and when her granddaughter, Julia, was born in 2006, she proved to be an even greater grandmother. However, her mothering didn't stop with her daughter and granddaughter. She loved spending time with and caring for countless nieces and nephews. They all have fond memories of "Aunt Rita".

When Rita wasn't doting on her "Noo-Noo Bird" and "Julia-Bug", as she affectionately referred to her daughter and granddaughter, Rita enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, and cooking. She never met a stranger and lived life to the fullest. Rita always enchanted family and friends with her lively conversation and infectious laugh.

Rita leaves to cherish her memory: a daughter, Melissa Agnew Alexander (Joseph) of Manassas, Virginia; a granddaughter, Julia Katherine; her loving aunt, Mabel Hairston of Martinsville, Virginia; three sisters Barbara Williams (Eugene)of Roosevelt, New Your, Delphine Draper and Maxine Martin, both of Martinsville, Virginia; and one brother, James Strawn (Linda) of Reidsville, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.