Agnes Tanksley Topsy

Born on August 7, 1944 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Agnes Florette Tanksley was the oldest of six children born to Alfred Lee Tanksley, Sr. and Vivian LaFrance Stewart Tanksley. Agnes was a very quiet and giving person and  made no secret to let everyone know she was the oldest.  She took that role very seriously. She was known for her unwavering love and unyielding protectiveness of her younger brothers and sisters.

Agnes loved to learn, attending Carver Elementary, Cunningham Junior High and Roy Miller High School.

Agnes married Ernest Smith. To this union, three children were born: Timothy Smith, Gregory Smith and Sonya Smith. Agnes later married McKinley Floyd, Sr. This marriage resulted in her fourth child, Chaundrika “Chaundy” Floyd .  She later married John Henry Topsy and this union lasted until his death in 2011.

Agnes Topsy was a multitalented woman whose career path was reflective of her many talents. She began her career journey as a manager in the well-known cafeteria chain, Luby’s.  Agnes later exercised her entrepreneurial muscle when she and her husband, McKinley Floyd Sr., established and ran a very successful seafood market. This business flourished for many years. As her talents and treasures continued to grow, Agnes began a new career working in a variety of stores and boutiques that sold the finest goods and decor, including Baccarat and Waterford Crystal. This career path became very natural for Agnes as she had a great love and appreciation for the finer things in life.

Agnes Topsy dedicated her life to Christ at a very young age. She was a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi for many decades.  She was an active member of the Kingdom, she sang in the church choir, and she was superintendent of Sunday School. She served as the president of the United Methodist Women, chaired several committees, and was a faithful communion sister. Agnes was also a member of Circle Ruth, and taught arts and crafts during Vacation Bible School.  She was well known for her talents and treasures with arts and crafts.  Agnes consistently visited the sick and shut-in and served as a ministerial steward as well.  Later, Agnes moved to Austin, Texas where she was baptized and became a member of Sweet Home Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Dante Wright Sr., where she served on the floral committee.

Agnes Topsy was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Lee Tanksley, Sr., Vivian LaFrance Tanksley, her sister, Beverly Sue Winters, and her husband, John Henry Topsy.

Agnes leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Timothy Lloyd Smith and Gregory Lionel Smith; daughters, Sonya TrazellSmith and Chaundrika (Chaundy) Dayatra Floyd Satterwhite; siblings, Deborah Louise Ross (Ronald), Alfred Lee Tanksley Jr., Charles Clark Tanksley (Sylvia) and Phillip Wayne Tanksley;  grandchildren, Chad Smith, Murika Webb, Kaylen Webb, Corbin Satterwhite and Jay Smith; great-grandchildren, Terius, Hezekiah, Bradley and Avianna, a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and lots of friends.