Pure religion and undefiled before God is this to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, James 1:27. This was a favorite Biblical verse of Mary Agnes Hollis, Dixon, who was taken to be with the Lord after a lengthy illness on July 19, 2014 in Springfield. She was born in Dixon, on June 23, 1924 a daughter of Earl and Mary Edna (Wyss) Dickens.

Mary was united in marriage on January 2, 1953, at St. Louis, to Robert Ervin Hollis, who preceded her in death on May 5, 2000. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by one grandson, Chris Wagner on February 3, 1979; her father on April 10, 1981; her mother on January 6, 1993; two brothers, Earl Raymond Dickens in December of 1922 and Harold Dickens on January 5, 1998; and one infant sister, Betty Jean Dickens in July of 1930.

Mary graduated from Dixon High School in the class of 1942. She worked in business accounting and banking and retired from Fort Leonard Wood Finance Department in 1980 after 21 years of service.

She was a loving devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Mary loved the Lord, family and church. She accepted the Lord in her early adult life and attended the Dixon Church of Christ until her health prohibited her from leaving the house. Mary had a strong feeling for those unable to care for themselves. She provided personal care for ill family members, and provided financial support for children's treatment homes and St. Jude Children's Hospital. Mary enjoyed sewing, reading the Dixon Pilot and relating oral family and community historical events. She was thrilled when many close friends and family attended her 90th birthday party in June as she considered it a major milestone.

Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Pat Wagner, Springfield; one granddaughter, Julie Wagner, Springfield; and one brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Betty Dickens, Dixon.

She was fortunate to have a large family constellation. Mary held a high regard for her niece and nephews, Susan Martin, Dixon; Dean Dickens, Nixa; Joe Dickens, Chamberlain, South Dakota; and Bill Dickens, Jonesboro, Arkansas. She spoke often of her appreciation for the loving care and support provided by Susan Martin, niece, and family friends Buddy Teel, Daryl Hollis, and Glen and Dee McCain.

Mary will be missed by her family, church and many children who will never know her name. She believed in providing basic needs for children who do not have parents who could not or would not provide for them.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital and Christian Healthcare East in Springfield for the vigorous medical and personal care provided to Mary during her long illness.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2014, with a funeral service following all in the Church of Christ, 12000 Highway 28, Dixon. Interment will be in the Dixon Cemetery under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home

In honor of Mary's concern for children, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Fair Haven Children's Home, 3132 North Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.