Agnes (Benbow) Smith, 87 entered into rest on August 04, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Despite her illness, she maintained a strong mind, quick wit and unwavering strength. Her love for her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends gave her peace in her final days.

Born on September 14, 1937, in Summerton, South Carolina, she was one of twelve children to the late Nelson-Lindsay and Charlotte Benbow.
Following graduation from Scotts Branch High School in 1956 Agnes ventured north, settling in Utica, NY to pursue career opportunities.

On April 1, 1964, she married Nathaniel "Smitty" Smith. Their marriage was a loving and blessed union of 57 years. Together they were successful and hardworking, setting a standard that will permeate through the family for years to come.

Agnes was employed by the Masonic Care Community in housekeeping department. A job which she maintained for 33 years until her retirement that did not last long.  Agnes liked to stay busy, so she returned to work at the Heritage Home, a position she held for an additional 6 years.

Agnes had a loving heart and embraced her role as a true matriarch with grace, balancing life's many demands with calm and steady resolve. She was an excellent mother, a devoted wife, a masterful homemaker, and the best grandmother. She took pride in her grandchildren's accomplishments great and small. There was never a need that went unmet. Christmas, birthdays and back to school you could always count on grandma for an envelope or a bag of goodies. Until the end she loved it all, sitting on the couch watching her grandkids play, imparting her wisdom that will never be forgotten.  Agnes was quiet, but when she spoke you knew to listen, she never missed a beat and if you paid attention her side remarks and commentary would have the whole room laughing in tears. She had perfect comedic timing.

Agnes enjoyed fitness and exercise, you could often catch her walking the Parkway. Well into her 70's she would do her leg lifts and squats on the porch and boy it was a sight to see!  Her unofficial chore was dumping the trash pails, a post she held well into her 80's.  She could watch the Golden Girls all day because it reminded her of hanging with her sisters. 90-day fiancé and the other reality shows kept her kept her thoroughly entertained. She read the Sunday paper front to back and maintained her subscription until the end.

She loved road tripping to Buffalo to visit with her sisters and frequent trips to Florida and South Carolina to visit with friends and family; her greatest accomplishment was being the glue that held us all together.

Agnes is survived by her beloved children, Albertis Miller (Melvinea), Winston Smith, Kenneth Smith, Nathyln SmithSavage (Curtis) and Shakina Benbow; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Agnes also leaves her sister, Roberta Cubbage McCray; special nieces, Tracey Adams and Louberta Dennis; goddaughters, Kelly Smith Paulson, Anita Taylor; and a host of nephews, nieces, and extended family who will remember her fondly. Agnes was predeceased by her husband Nathaniel Smith; parents, Nelson-Lindsay and Charlotte Benbow; brothers, Moses Benbow, Elijah Benbow, Willie Benbow, Abraham Benbow, Issac Benbow; sisters, Ada Levy, Willar Mae Lemon, Irene Sabb, and Maggie Mae Baker, and May Etha Burk; and special nephew Jesse Dennis.

The Smith family wishes to extend their gratitude to Slocum Dickson Medical Group, Wynn Hospital, Visiting Nurses association and Dialysis Center of Rome - Innovative Renal Care for all their care and compassion. The family would also like to extend they're thanks to Apex medical transport staff who she was quick to let know her opinions of the day.

Agnes did not ask for much. She liked to be on time and did not like to wait. After a long day of treatment, she expected her ride waiting and her dinner hot and ready on the table upon her return and that's what she got, not because she was demanding but because she was respected and deserving.

Arrangements are under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, NY. To send an online greeting go to: www.johnlmattfuneralhome