Annette Braynard Agrios' Obituary
Annette Braynard Agrios peacefully passed away on March 20th surrounded by her family. Annette was 83 years old.
She was born in 1939 in a small town located just outside of Webster City, Iowa. Annette grew up on a family farm in Luverne, Iowa. She was active in 4H and won many accolades for her sewing and other projects. She attended Luverne High School where she was Class President, Valedictorian, and a cheerleader for the school.
Annette then attended Iowa State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. While at Iowa State she met, and fell in love with, a graduate student by the name of George Agrios. George came to study Plant Sciences from his home town of Thessaloniki Greece. After she graduated and he completed his PhD the couple moved to Greece so George could complete his required Army service. While in Greece they married in the Greek Orthodox Church. Annette taught English while George completed his service requirement.
In 1962 George was offered a faculty position at University of Massachusetts and the couple moved to Amherst, MA where they lived for over two decades. They raised three wonderful sons in Amherst.
In 1988 Annette and George moved to Gainesville where George took on the position of Chairman for the department of Plant Pathology. They became active members of St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church. Annette was very involved in the Church both in Amherst and Gainesville. She served on the board of the Philoptochos Society many times. She was an excellent cook and became the “go to” person for all the Greek Festivals and baking sessions for the church. She was instrumental in the founding of the Philoptochos chapter at St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church.
Annette was a kind soul who made everyone new at church feel welcome and at ease. She and George regularly entertained in their home. They held large gatherings for friends from all parts of their lives. Annette is survived by her three sons (Nick, Tony, and Alex), her brother Dale Braynard, 3 daughters-in-law and her 9 wonderful grandchildren.
Annette will be buried at the Orthodox Christian Cemetery in Gainesville, FL next to her loving husband. Services will include a viewing and Trisagion Service at Williams Thomas Funeral Home in Newberry from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, March 24th. The funeral will take place at St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church at 11:30 AM on Saturday the 25th, followed by the burial service. May her memory be eternal.
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