Agnes Kimbell, 82, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after an 8-year battle with multiple myeloma. Agnes was born on November 18, 1942, to Elliott and Elizabeth Richardson in Richmond, VA. She was raised in Urbanna, VA, and graduated from Randolph-Macon Women’s College in 1965. She married Ray Kimbell on June 17, 1967. She also lived in Williamsburg, VA, the Panama Canal Zone, and Wheaton, IL before moving to Galesburg in 1973.
Agnes was a beloved member of the Galesburg community for over 50 years. She served on the board of The Galesburg Rescue Mission, she was a pioneer in establishing The Weekend (formerly known as Chrysalis), she served as the coordinator of the bereavement committee at Bethel Baptist Church, and was involved in a number of Bible Studies over the years. She loved fishing on her pontoon boat at Lake Bracken, reading, and eating delicious food (especially dessert!).
Her vibrant Christian faith gave her a special capacity to love people well. She never met a stranger and graced everyone she met with her warmth, strength, wisdom, and humor. Her positive outlook inspired many.
Agnes is preceded in death by her husband, Ray, and her brother, Sam Richardson. She is survived by her five children: Mary Kimbell (Karen), Bonnie Chester, Joe Kimbell (Holly), Fran Kriesch (Brandon), and John Kimbell (Sarah), and her 13 grandchildren: Elise Chester, Owen Chester, Christiana Kimbell, Tova Kimbell, Elias Kimbell, Nathan Kriesch, Seth Kriesch, Anna Vanden Brink (David), Rachel Kimbell, Trevor Kimbell, Ryan Kimbell, Julia Kimbell, and Tyler Kimbell. She is also survived by her brother, Charlie Richardson (Margaret).
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 200-5:00 p.m., at Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 N. Academy St., Galesburg, IL 61401. The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., also at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either: The Galesburg Rescue Mission: 547 N. Farnham Street, Galesburg, IL 61401, or Bethel Baptist Church 1196 N. Academy St., Galesburg, IL 61401.
