On September 28, 2023, Mrs. Agnes Chapman Redfearn, longtime resident of Dalton, Georgia, passed away in her sleep at the age of 96.
Mrs. Redfearn was born in Atlanta, in March of 1927, where she grew up and attended Girl’s High School. An outstanding student, Agnes attended the University of Georgia, where she majored in Chemistry at a time when very few women were science majors. She not only was excellent academically, but also proved to be an astute colleague in assisting her classmate and future husband, Dr. James Redfearn. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, and was a member of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon chemical fraternity, along with earning Phi Beta Kappa recognition for academic excellence. Agnes was also a stellar mathematician and earned admission to the Phi Mu Epsilon mathematics fraternity at UGA. After college, she worked at Coca Cola in Atlanta as a laboratory chemist. She married Dr. Redfearn in 1950.
Agnes was involved in many activities over her long time in Dalton, including Girl Scout leader, band mother, and was actively involved in programs to teach disadvantaged adults how to read. She was a long time member of the local garden club, and a decades long bridge club participant. She was a lifetime member of Dalton First United Methodist Church, and also a key participant in the Friendship Sunday School class. She was also a prolific and excellent seamstress, able to sew all types of clothing and accessories. In later years, she excelled in working through Sudoku math puzzles. No puzzle could outsmart her, even the most difficult.
Agnes was predeceased by her bothers James and Clay Chapman, as well as her son, Paul Redfearn. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Dr. James Augustus Redfearn, daughters, Beth Verlezza (Tony), and Leigh Veasey (Jack), along with her daughter in law Sharon Redfearn, granddaughter Lori Piltz (Joe), and great-granddaughters Abigail and Eleanor.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Dalton First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Steven Usry and Rev. Phillip Cannon officiating.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 p.m. until the time of the service and following the service in the atrium of the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Dalton First United Methodist Church, 500 S. Thornton Ave., Dalton, Ga. 30720.