Mildred Ann Deal "Millie" Avery

1932 - 2025

Mildred "Millie" Ann Deal Avery

April 4, 1932 - April 26, 2025

Mildred "Millie" Ann Deal Avery, 93, of Morganton, NC, passed peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Born on April 4, 1932, in Catawba County, NC, she was the beloved daughter of the late William Davis Deal and Nona Little Deal.

Millie lived a life filled with quiet purpose, tireless service, and joyful devotion. Though she once dreamed of becoming a physical education teacher, life had other plans - ones that would lead her to touch countless lives through the healing art of nursing.

After working as a nurse's aide at Richard Baker Hospital (now Frye Regional Medical Center) during the summer after high school - and a fateful encounter with Dr. Glenn R. Frye, who encouraged her to become a nurse - Millie pursued nursing with her whole heart. She graduated from Rowan Memorial School of Nursing in Salisbury in 1955 and began a remarkable 30-year career serving the state of North Carolina.

Ms. Avery's passion for teaching led her to the Western Regional Vocational Rehabilitation Facility (now EIPD Western Regional), where she taught men and women to become nurse's aides. Though she never formally entered a gymnasium as a coach, she educated with the spirit of a teacher and the heart of a mentor, inspiring every student she encountered.

A Morganton resident for nearly 65 years, Millie built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. She was a devout member of Salem United Methodist Church, where her alto voice lifted countless hymns and her Sunday school lessons instilled lasting truths. Her nurturing spirit knew no bounds; she was a nurse not just by profession, but by nature - always offering care, comfort, and laughter wherever it was needed.

An athlete at heart, Millie's love of basketball began at Newton-Conover High School, where she played center forward for the varsity women's team before graduating in 1950. Her passion for the game never faded - she continued shooting hoops with her grandchildren well into her 70s. Whether she was driving her grandson to practice or glued to the TV during March Madness, Millie never missed a game.

Millie Avery's greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her three children, Everett Lee Avery Jr., John Davis Avery, and Maelea Whisnant (Reggie); four grandchildren, Brigitte Gragg (Bryan), John Everett Avery (BJ), NonaAnn Faris (Matthew), and Marshall Faris (Amber); and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Millie was preceded in death by the father of her children, Everett Lee Avery Sr. To them, and to all who knew her, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and a life lived with unwavering love. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.

Please join us in celebrating her beautiful life on Saturday, May 3, by wearing your favorite color - a cheerful tribute to her vibrant spirit. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a service from 12 to 1 p.m. A graveside gathering will take place later that afternoon at 3 p.m. at Claremont City Cemetery.

Feel free to share your memories and messages with the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com - they'd love to hear from you.

Sossoman Funeral Home

www.sossomanfh.com