A native Houstonian replant to Austin and 4th generation Texan, Agnes was born on January 15, 1929 in Houston, TX. She was the second child of Frederick “Fritz” William Koehler and Irma Amberg Koehler, descendants of immigrants from Germany to Central Texas. Agnes attended the Houston public schools, graduating from San Jacinto High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society.
After foregoing a scholarship to Rice University, she received her diploma from Houston Business College and went to work for Texaco. Upon moving to Austin and marrying the love of her life, Ronald Barnes Wilkinson of San Angelo, Agnes worked for the City of Austin. Along with being a loving mother, homemaker, & wife she was active in her church through office support, volunteering, serving on committees and being available when called upon.
Agnes was a member of the German-Texan Heritage Society; Austin Doll Study Club, and an avid “yellow dog” defender of the US Constitution and equal rights. Reserving her tongue until humanly impossible, she had a diplomatic way with words. She was not afraid to correct a pronunciation or combination of adjectives and adverbs if heard incorrectly. She had an affinity for the English language.
Agnes and Ron's travels to Germany and La Grange, TX for family reunions were another highlight of their lives. They happily hosted distant German relatives visiting from abroad. She was always interested in keeping sight of her roots and passing that along to her children. Ron especially loved having this familial connection.
Agnes is survived by four children, Kathy Cima (husband Brad) of Rockport; daughter Gail Wilkinson of Alamogordo, NM, daughter Lynn Wilkinson of Austin, and son Ronald “Barnes” Wilkinson, Jr. (wife Julie) of Georgetown; Grandsons, Kyle Cima, Blake Cima, and Eric Daza.
The family would like to express their gratitude to her dear friends with Austin Doll Study Club, Halcyon Hospice for the care they provided Agnes as well as Juvy Griswold at Mountain View Assisted Living.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center or charity of your choice.
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