J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Avery, Joan A.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Joan Anita Avery, 57, of McKenney, departed this life on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at her residence with her family at her side. She was the daughter of the late Howard W. and Rose J. Ellis. Joan was a dedicated employee of Colonial Heights Health Care Center for 16 years who enjoyed taking care of others. She is survived by her husband, Charles Y. Avery, III; sons, Michael S. Avery and wife, Laura and Allen K. Avery; grandson, Forrest S. Avery all of McKenney; brother, Charles Gary Ellis and wife Chris of Newport News; brother-in-law, William R. Avery and wife, Sherry; sister-in-law, Ada Avery Liles and husband, Duncan E. all of McKenney; friends, Rae Ann Eley and Donna Hughes and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home tonight, Thursday, April 10, 2008 from 6 to 8pm. A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 11, 2008 at Mt. Olivet UMC Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Olivet UMC, P.O. Box 156, Dinwiddie, VA 23841 or the American Cancer Society-Wesy Chappell, 1117 Fort Hayes Drive, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear family and friends of Ms. Avery.
I feel very blessed to have gotten to know Anita over the past several months. I always enjoyed her wonderful smile, her laugh and her positive attitude. We had such wonderful phone calls and visits over the past few months. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her, and she was so inspiring.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. You must all have wonderful memories of her, and I hope these will help you through these difficult times. Please know that I send you my love and prayers for comfort. I'm sure she's resting comfortably know that you will take great care of each other, just as you did for her.

Margie Halverson

Posted by: Margie Halverson at April 14, 2008 03:15 PM

Chippy, Allen, Mike and Laura, and Forrest,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers today, as is your wife & momma's spirit. Nita was such an amazingly strong woman and while it has been so many years since our time together, today I remember her smile and laughter and know that she will be missed by you and so many others in the years to come. While those we love so much cannot be with us here, let the sweetest memories of them take that place. I love you all and am so sorry I cannot be there with you to share hugs, comfort, and celebration of Nita's life, during this time of your loss. Your family has, and always will hold such a special place in my heart, and I look forward to spending some time with you, and honoring your beautiful wife and mother in person when I am back in Virginia this summer. May the grace of God and His peace be with you during this time.
My love to each of you, Trisha

Posted by: Trisha McLawhorn Togni at April 11, 2008 12:07 PM

Dear Charles, Mike, Laura, Forrest and Allen,

We are truly sorry for your loss and we will be praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help out.

Kelly and Judy Armstrong

Posted by: Kelly and Judy Armstrong at April 10, 2008 10:06 AM