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Obituary For Willie Mae Avery
Mrs. Willie Mae Avery, 93 passed Friday, February 14, 2025 in Phenix City, AL.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Gaines Chapel AME Church located at 911 Dillingham St., Phenix City, AL with Rev. Gregory McLeod, pastor, officiating and Rev. Richard Carter, eulogist. Burial to follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. Public viewing is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 21, 2025.
The soul departed in the Lord does not die, it returns to God the creator who is the giver of life.
On Friday, February 14, 2025, our beloved Willie Mae Avery, 93, transitioned into eternal rest at her home surrounded by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen Michelle Avery Alexander & Tony Alexander, and her great-niece, Erica Ankrom.
Willie Mae Robinson Avery was born April 14, 1931 in Phenix City, Alabama to the Rev. W. E. and Annie Walker Robinson. She was raised in a loving and Christian home. She attended Alabama Public Schools and graduated with honors in 1949 from South Girard High School.
She attended and graduated from Columbus City Hospital, and earned her Registered Nurse Degree in 1953. Her career in nursing was given with a missionary spirit dedicated to God, the Nursing Creed, and a passionate concern for her patients and the needs of their families.
She worked for forty (40) years and retired in 1992. Thirteen (13) of those years were spent at the Medical Center (now Piedmont Columbus Regional) and twenty-seven (27) years at the Columbus Health Department.
In 1956, she was blessed with a family to nurture and love in a package, her husband, James Avery, Sr., and two great sons, James Jr. (Bucky) and Douglas (Doug). She lost her Husband, February 2, 2015 after 58 years of marriage. They were blessed with a little angel, Sissy, in 1962 whom they dedicated to God at the age of 7 months.
She joined Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church at the age of 12 years and remained faithful until her death. She served in many capacities which involved, but not limited to, youth activities, Treasurer of Emma Isaac Butler Missionary Society, Vice President of the Stewardess Board and Chair Person of the Inez Phillips Missionary Unit. One of her favorite roles was to plan and coordinate the East Alabama Missionary Health Fair for 8 years. She volunteered at the Children Medical Clinic at the Medical Center.
She was a people person. Her hobbies included flower gardening, crossword puzzles and collecting souvenir spoons. Doting on her children and grand children were the highlight of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three (3) brothers: JD Robinson, Freddie Edmonds, Clifford Robinson Sr., four (4) sisters: Mable Franklin, Lois Andrews, Blondie McDuffie and Mattie Jones, one (1) great-grandson, D'Angelo Avery, who was the apple of her eye, and her best friend, Trudie Evans.
She is survived by two sons: James Jr. and Douglas of Maryland, one daughter, Karen Michelle Avery Alexander (Tony) of Phenix City, Alabama, six grandchildren: Christopher (LaJanice), Sharon, Patrick, Monique, Tori and Tevin; six great-grandchildren, Khristen, Naima, Nadira, Tailyn, Khi, and Kam'ron; one great-great granddaughter, Raziya; a church goddaughter, Shandra Thornton; a host of loving nieces and nephews who affectionally called her "Auntie", and many relatives and friends.
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David Sanders planted 7 trees in memory of Willie Mae Avery . - February 21, 2025
Eliss Cucchiara sent Heavenly Heights Bouquet for Willie Mae Avery - February 20, 2025
Sharonne Marshall sent Sweet Moments for Willie Mae Avery - February 20, 2025
curtiss Baker sent The Peace Lily for Willie Mae Avery - February 18, 2025
To Michelle and Tony, Buckie and Doug and family:
Please accept this tribute on our behalf to you and the family in honor of Aunt Will. The planting of these trees represent the seed of life that will live on in you and all the loved ones that her life touched. I remember her today and will tomorrow for the kindness and compassion shown to me and my family from a child. When I was about 7 years old she would tenderly assure me that Roughhouse and Touch, the two big German Shepard's she and Uncle James had way back wouldn't harm me and I didn't have to be afraid. I've known her to be the same way throughout the years, even in recent years her humility, strength and kindness has been a blessing to my family, especially in our time of loss and grief.
God bless and keep you all in your time of grief and loss
John 5:25,28 Verily, verily I say unto you, the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life.
David and Quintina Sanders
To Michelle and Tony, Buckie and Doug and family:
Please accept this tribute on our behalf to you and the family in honor of Aunt Will. The planting of these trees represent the seed of life that will live on in you and all the loved ones that her life touched. I remember her today and will tomorrow for the kindness and compassion shown to me and my family from a child. When I was about 7 years old she would tenderly assure me that Roughhouse and Touch, the two big German Shepard's she and Uncle James had way back wouldn't harm me and I didn't have to be afraid. I've known her to be the same way throughout the years, even in recent years her humility, strength and kindness has been a blessing to my family, especially in our time of loss and grief.
God bless and keep you all in your time of grief and loss
John 5:25,28 Verily, verily I say unto you, the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life.
David and Quintina Sanders
Our deepest condolences Karen. You and your family are in our prayers.
Doug and Family, I was saddened to hear of who you guys affectionately call "Grandma Wil" passing. She was a remarkable woman, and I have fond memories of her kindness and grace. I know how much she meant to your family, and I can only imagine the depth of your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared, and in knowing how deeply she was cherished by those who knew her. My thoughts are with you all. With sympathy, Anna Dixon
Will was such a wonderful woman who genuinely loved people. I'll never forget the kindness and consideration she'd shown me all throughout life. They were the only people my Mom trusted us to spend the night with and we savored those moments.She worked hard all day then would drive to Columbus to grab us for a fun-filled weekend with Michelle; some of my best memories. I am so glad I stopped through last year and had a chance to chat with her. I'll never forget that conversation. At 91, She remembered everything about me including my love for art.The world has lost an earthly angel but heaven has regained one of the most beautiful spirits to ever exist. RIH Will...Your presence will be greatly mourned here yet I cannot even begin to imagine the reunion going on in heaven right now!! You'll always will always be loved and fondly remembered.
Michelle, you selected an excellent picture of Auntie "Will"!
She was a God fearing kingdom lady, bold, and beautiful. (IN my mind's ear l can hear her unique laughter!)
If you wanted to be lifted, talk with Auntie "Will"! She knew her gifts and talents were of God! She was level headed, kind, and encouraging!
I can recall as a little girl when she and other nurses worked for the Columbus Health Department providing Well-baby check-ups at BTW HOUSING. It was a joy and honor to tell my friends, "My Auntie takes care of your sisters and brothers.
Goodhousekeeping magazine could not level up to Auntie "Will"! Wow! She could decorate, the house, the yard, and the front porch! I called her, my stylish and fashionable auntie because she dressed so eloquently!
Uncle James and Auntie supported my family. As they were blessed with longevity, Michelle, you began to ensure they could continue to support. Thank you!!!(Yes, l know you have heard those words in the past!)
Michelle, we love you and the family. May our God continue to bless and keep us. May we do the work of sharing the gospel that someone will invite God into their hearts and repent and believe that Jesus came to take away our sins and put us in the right relationship with God. Night comes and no man can except Jesus as Lord, savior, or Redeemer. Death does not have rule over Auntie because she believed Jonh 3:16.
We'll drop tears of joy and hope for our Kingdom Auntie "Will" because we will see her again. All glory to our God through Jesus empowered by God the Holy Spirit for Auntie "Will"!
Karen, my heart and prays are with you and your family. May GOD give you strength at your time of sorrow. I'm only a phone call away. Love you Doris Jones Franklin
Sending condolences and prayers to the family ππΎππΎππΎ May God send his staff to comfort the family ππΎππΎππΎ
Sending our condolences Love and prayer of Comfort ππβ₯οΈ
Mrs. Will lived next door to me and my mom (Connie Rutledge) all of my life, she was one the sweetest lady ever I've ever met. Everytime I would come by and see my mom she would always make sure I went by and saw her and my mom would also go by and check on her. I'm so deeply sadden by her passing and my prayers are with her daughter Michelle the family! She will truly be missed β€οΈππ½
Our sincere prayers and condolences go out to Karen (Avery) Alexander and the entire family. We pray that God will grant all of you the strength that is needed during this most difficult time. Mrs. Will, Rest in peace. We love you but, God love you more. Forever in our prayers The Woods Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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