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Avery Neill Obituary
June 2, 2012 - May 13, 2018
Raleigh
Avery Ann Neill, age 5, went to be with Jesus on May 13th 2018 at home surrounded by family. Avery was born June 2, 2012, nine weeks early, weighing 2 lbs 9 oz, and was a fighter from the beginning. Her early years were filled with joy and laughter; a light in all of our lives. Since December 2017, she fought a brave battle with DIPG, an aggressive brain stem tumor that slowly stole her mobility but never stole her ability to bring a smile to our faces. Avery was feisty, nurturing, loved Jesus and being with her church family. She loved to play pretend and silly games with her best friend, twin sister Rebekah. She also enjoyed playing dress up and being a mommy to her baby dolls and "stuffed up" animals, and often said she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. She loved to color, sing, do puzzles, and was most comforted by snuggles from those she loved. She went straight from her mother's arms into the loving arms of Jesus.
Avery is survived by her parents, Andy and Emily Neill, her twin sister, Rebekah, and little brother James, age 3; paternal grandparents, Rob and Barbara Neill of Raleigh, NC; maternal grandparents, Donald Willett and Mary Murphy of Raleigh, NC; maternal great-grandmother, Mary Clagett of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who all loved her dearly.
Services will be held Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:30pm at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614. The family will receive guests following the service until 5:30pm. In celebration of Avery's favorite color, purple, please consider wearing purple or your Bravery for Avery shirt. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made in Avery's name to the Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation in order to further research to find a cure for DIPG or to Transitions Kids. #braveryforavery
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Blaklie
July 3, 2024
Im also so Sorry for your lost
Blaklie
July 3, 2024
R.I.P Avery you will never be forgotten
Brittney Harris
September 30, 2023
Avery, I know we never met, but you sweet girl changed my life in such a profound way. So looking forward to meeting you in the presence of our Savior. To your family you are still in my heart and prayers.In Him, ! rip arvery !
tarissa gray
September 7, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Gabriela Reese
September 6, 2023
Rest easy in Neverland Avery swim with the mermaids
And pop out of the moon at night.
Marion
June 3, 2023
Happy Birthday in Heaven Always in my heart. I will never forget you
Marion
May 13, 2023
Thinking of you today Avery You ,like me have a twin sister. So fellow twin you are special and forever in my heart.
Marion and Marilyn
Susie Nading
May 10, 2023
Avery, I know we never met, but you sweet girl changed my life in such a profound way. So looking forward to meeting you in the presence of our Savior. To your family you are still in my heart and prayers.
In Him,
Susie Nading
RYLAN
March 31, 2023
R.I.P AVERY
Marion
June 2, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN AVERY You are missed.
Marion and family
Marion
May 13, 2022
Thinking of you today. Never to be forgotten. Forever in my heart.
Marion
June 2, 2021
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY AVERY Missing you and forever in my heart.
Marion Collins and family
Marion Collins
May 13, 2021
Remembering Avery today. Miss seeing your pretty face Angel Avery. Rest In Peace
Marion ,Marilyn and Joan
Lisa Pope
May 13, 2021
Remembering sweet Avery today! I think of her beautiful little face often and keep her family in my thoughts and prayers!
Cynthia McGuffey
May 10, 2021
Thinking about you today as we often do. I know the pain of your loss is still just as great today. No one should have to lose a child. Avery was a beautiful little girl in every way. I pray that knowing she is in the arms of Jesus gives you peace and comfort. You may know that we moved to GA in November to be close to our only child, our son and our four grandchildren, but we still think of you and Avery often. Love, Cynthia & Gary McGuffey
Peggy gabriel
May 13, 2020
I think of you so often . I still pray for your family . I will never forget you and when I get to heaven I want to give you a hug . Love always
Marion Collins
May 13, 2020
Thinking of you today Avery. You are gone but not forgotten. Forever in my heart. Miss you
Love
Marion and family
Ann Maxey
May 10, 2020
Always in my thoughts and prayers
Lisa Pope
May 10, 2020
Thinking of the family on this Mothers Day.
Nicole Paris
March 31, 2020
Repose en paix petite Avery.
Peggy Gabriel
December 26, 2019
You are always thought of by me . I pray for you family . Rest In Peace sweet Avery. Still loved by many .
Marion Collins
December 21, 2019
MERRY CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN AVERY ANN
Marion and Family
leah osowsky
December 20, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sue Nading
May 13, 2019
I saw a yesterday and it made me think of you. I know you are dancing with Jesus asking Him all kinds of questions. Praying for your sweet family until you are reunited.
Linda West
May 12, 2019
Never Forgotten
Peggy Gabriel
May 12, 2019
you will always be remembered by me and so many more . Prayers for your family . Rip in peace sweet angel
Lisa Pope
May 12, 2019
Beautiful Angel gone too soon! Your short journey on this Earth touched so many lives. You'll not be forgotten!
Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Marion Collins
May 11, 2019
Angel Avery you will never be forgotten Forever in my heart. Prayers continue for all
Marion and Family
Kim Hess
May 11, 2019
Continued prayers for your family. May you find peace and comfort in your friends and family.
Jan Johnson
May 10, 2019
Thoughts and prayers for you. We will continue to lift you in prayer.
Margaret Stuhlreyer
May 10, 2019
It is difficult to believe that sweet Avery has been gone almost one year. I know it has been so difficult for her family and friends. I will never understand why our precious children have to deal with illness, but I truly believe that Avery is so very happy and free of all pain and living her new life in Heaven. I am thinking of you all.
krosbie loveall
May 10, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jamie Martin
May 10, 2019
May God wrap his arms around the family and they be thinking of good memories this anniversary. Love to the Neill Family!
Julie & Lexi Coperine
July 27, 2018
My she always be An Angel
July 11, 2018
Trying to get a message to the Neill's...Just wondering how Avery's brave parents are faring.... I don't know you at all but I think of you both often. A similar event happened locally where I am from. Look up the Blue for Ben campaign in Buffalo NY. 5 yr old twin Ben lost his battle to DIPG, and his twin brother Jack and wonderful parents are pillars of strength. I felt the need to connect you all if you haven't already heard of them... they may be able to help you tread these waters. They're very spiritual and work with grieving families from what I understand. Your stories are almost identical. My heart is broken for you all. No parent should lose a baby, no twin should lose half their heart. God bless!
June 13, 2018
Know Avery was there with Rebekah cheering her on at the swim meet last night.
God bless
Tarissa Gray
May 29, 2018
Rest easy little angel with love from Sydney Australia
May 22, 2018
no words except to say we hurt with you rejoice she is with Jesus. She was such an angel. We loved her and weep with all of you sending hugs
Rose and Bud Brogli
Elizabeth Mizell-Ortiz
May 21, 2018
Bless you sweet Avery!
Mindy Mort-Bennett
May 20, 2018
R.I.P baby girl
Missy Barnett
May 20, 2018
So sorry for the loss of your sweet baby girl Avery. She was the strongest little girl that I know. I wish there was something I could say to make it better but unfortunately there is not. Prayers coming from salyersville KY. Hope the days to come get a little better. Rest in peace little miss Avery we all love you fly high.
Dana Kinder
May 20, 2018
I have been following your precious Avery's story and I want you to know how saddened To hear of her passing I watched your video of the last day of her life and it has brought me to tears like no other I am so very sorry for everything that you have been through I have watched many DIPG Children pass away from this awful terrible monster you're Avery has touched my heart as well as many others I am praying for your family and I am sending a big hug to you
Michelle Via
May 19, 2018
I'm so sorry for this horrific loss. I can't even imagine the pain you are all going through. I will pray for your family and know that your sweet girl is with Jesus now happy and well.
Joy Gardner
May 19, 2018
Your angel is with Jesus. Prayers from Texas. May God comfort you and your family and give you peace. Lots of love. Joy
Amber Bain
May 19, 2018
You're now free of a horrible painful disease. You were tremendously loved and will be terribly missed. You didn't deserve to have your life cut so short. Fly high in paradise. May your family know you're always watching down on them. All my love you beautiful girl and to the Neill family, all the way from Australia my heart bleeds for you all.
Barbara Jones
May 19, 2018
Avery was a special little girl who touched my heart as I followed her courageous battle since December. I don't think I will ever forget her. How I prayed for her to be with her family longer! Now I pray for God to comfort them as they grieve for their precious Avery who is healed now but separated from them for just a while. They will see her again one day in heaven. Thank you Emily and Andy for sharing Avery with us during such a difficult time.
Mike and Cindy Sasser
May 18, 2018
God laid Avery on my heart the first time I saw her beautiful face - just a day or so after diagnosis. We fell in love with her and have prayed for her daily and will continue praying for all of you! Our hearts break, yet we rejoice that she is now whole. One day we will meet her face to face. What a glorious day! Love in Christ.
Marcy Abner
May 18, 2018
Soar with your new angel wings Avery! You have touched so many hearts and lives in your short time on this planet!
May 18, 2018
Sweet Avery you will never know how many earth lives you touched on your short journey. Fly high with the angels hun,
Daphne Knight
May 18, 2018
Little angel Avery, your sweet life has touched so many people in such a short time. Your courage and spirit will remain with me forever. Your mother has shown such grace and courage during this difficult time. Courage and strength I am not sure I could have shown. I am so proud to have known you through Facebook. I have grown to love you. I will miss you little angel. I pray for those you left behind. I pray for their peace. I know you are healed in your new body and loving your new place in Heaven. Fly high baby girl.
Cindy Gardner
May 17, 2018
Rest In Peace with Jesus sweet Avery. You are loved by so many and your story has and will continue to inspire so many people. I pray that you are running around in heaven laughing and playing with the other children there. I pray that Jesus wraps his loving arms around your mom and dad, Bekah and James and helps them through the next few weeks, months and years. We will continue to push to find a cure for DIPG...
Jennifer Breidel
May 17, 2018
Prayers and hugs for peace and comfort. You are amazing and we grieve with you and your family.
Barbara Crivellaro
May 17, 2018
My sincere condolences to your family. I cannot say that I know your pain but I know the pain of loss. Your strength, love and perseverance is something for all of us to look up to. I will forever keep your beautiful little girl Avery in my heart as well as your whole family. God bless all of you.
Jeffrey Woods
May 17, 2018
With much sorrow and great sympathy I offer prayers for the loss of Avery. Remember for yourself as well as James and Rebekah the words of the children's songs: Jesus Loves Me, and Jesus Loves the Little Children, and may the words of each bring comfort.
Donna Magauran
May 17, 2018
God bless you baby girl. Your God's special Ange
Megan Serr
May 17, 2018
Avery touched the lives of many people. Please know that your family is my thoughts.
Lisa Darras
May 17, 2018
With much sadness for your loss of your precious baby. Thank you for sharing your joys and loss with the world. You showed God's love and grace to many. Your journey touched a lot of hearts. Avery is now at peace and with her Savior. She is no longer in pain and is flying high with the angels. I will be keeping your family in my prayers. God Bless.
Allison Almand
May 17, 2018
Our whole family, here in Texas, is wearing purple for Avery today. Our prayers and hearts are with you as you celebrate the life of your amazing Avery. We are forever changed due to her story you shared with us on facebook. Thank you and God Bless you all.
Lauren Johnston
May 17, 2018
Ive been following you and your story since i saw it posted online in late December. Im so sorry for your loss and praying for you and your family as you prepare to move forward.
May 17, 2018
You'll shine forever!
Monica Carter
May 17, 2018
you'll be so very missed every day, every minute by your family, and the world baby girl! We are all saddened to say goodbye!
Linda West
May 17, 2018
Avery you have touched so many hearts that you never got to meet on this earth. But one day when we get to go to heaven we will meet and rejoice in it!This beautiful family has touched so many lives and has shown what true faith is. God bless this family give strength comfort and peace.
Deanette Rogers
May 17, 2018
Emily and Andy,God's healing blessings upon you, Rebekah, James and your extended family. My prayers for your family will continue... in my rising and in my laying down. Avery and your family helped me focus my prayer time this past few months, and for that I owe you thanks. She was an angel on earth and now she watches all of you from heaven, without pain or suffering. My deepest condolences.
MSgt David and The Reverend Christi PURSEY
May 17, 2018
Our sadness, Jesus' Joy. May we remember how fragile life is and live each day to its fullest in memory of our sweet sister, Avery. #braveryforavery
Isabelle McWhortor
May 17, 2018
Prays for you all from Canton, Georgia. Praying for peace & heavenly comfort during this extremely difficult time. Sweet Avery's story has touched my young 16 year old heart in more ways than you can imagine. Her story, her legacy, & her beautiful soul will live on forever. God bless the entire Neil family & friends.
Mary Sebero
May 17, 2018
Dear Neill family, my heart breaks for all of you in the loss of your precious Avery. There are no words in a canyon of grief to describe the hole left in the heart. We will never understand God's ways in this life. But know He sees the big picture and we just see the clipping. I pray that God will shower you with an abundance oh His grace, comfort, peace and love. There will always be a special place in my heart for your family and I will continue to pray for you. Avery is no longer suffering, but in the arms of Jesus! God bless you!
Purple Sunrise
Brenda Davis
May 17, 2018
Prayers for a beautiful child. My favorite color is purple also. In God's hands she rests.
Barbara Chachko
May 17, 2018
Sending prayers and love from a heartbroken Memon of another 5 year old Avery from New Jersey. Your beautiful daughter and family have touched us all. Peace be with all of you today.
Nicole Lappin
May 17, 2018
Much love from Ireland. Please know that I will be praying for you all today and in the time to come x
May 17, 2018
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family, may the Lord carry you through this, and may you find strength in his promise, one day when we're all with Jesus you will see Avery again.
Sue Karen
Maria Stasios
May 17, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Hoping there is some peace in knowing that your precious Avery is now in a place where there is no pain or sorrow or suffering. May her memory be everlasting.
Angie Mosley
May 17, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rebecca MacDonald
May 17, 2018
Thank you for sharing Avery's journey with so
many sharing her trials and triumphs with people who felt even though we didn't know you or your family we felt your pain and shared your heartaches with you and your joy with you my deepest sympathies to you and your family from New Zealand R.I.P Avery you were a true warrior fly high with the angels
Marlene Corbitt
May 17, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Sweet, beautiful, little Avery has a place forever in my heart. Praying for your family during this heartbreaking time.
Tanna Todd
May 17, 2018
Sending lots of Prayers to all the family, so sorry for your loss she is smiling down on you all and without pain playing and flying high with our beautiful lord.
Sandra Altman
May 17, 2018
Rest In Peace, sweet Avery! The world is a better place because you were here! Hugs and prayers for your family! May God grant comfort, peace, and rest to your family!
Karen B
May 16, 2018
Prayers to you and your family. Sweet Avery's story has my heart. May your friends and family comfort you now and in the tough days ahead.
Mishele and Gracy Daves
May 16, 2018
Sweet soul you were loved, we were only two you touched...Our prayers to the familyMishele and Gracy DavesEastover, NC
Kim Smith
May 16, 2018
Prayers to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in this difficult time! Xoxo
D Bailey
May 16, 2018
Praying for strength, peace and God's abundance love and blessings on your family
Jeannie Clum
May 16, 2018
There are no words of comfort, for a life taken all too soon. Just find peace knowing the pain is no more, except for those left behind and your new guardian angel awaits to see you again. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this tragic time.
Kevin Philpot
May 16, 2018
Prayers to the Neil family..".no parent should have to go through what you have endured. God bless.
Betty Abrams
May 16, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to this sweet baby girls family, God bless all of you!
Robin Jones-messina
May 16, 2018
So very sorry for the loss of sweet Avery....Robin c. Jones- Messina
Karla Veal
May 16, 2018
What a legacy sweet Avery has left behind. Love and prayers for your family. Praying you feel the arms of Jesus holding you close.
Denise Cash
May 16, 2018
I never had the honor of meeting this beautiful little girl, but I came across a prayer request someone had posted and felt lead to pray for her. I started following her story. She has been in my prayers and heart since. May God carry this beautiful family as they enter a new chapter. Avery is with Jesus and she will be rocked in His arms until they are all together again
Geri Rush
May 16, 2018
Prayers for Neill family. God bless.
Julieanne Hagedorn
May 16, 2018
My deepest sympathy for your family on the loss of this beautiful soul, and precious girl. Thank you for sharing her with us the last few months, and allowing us to grieve with you. Avery, and all of you, will forever be in my heart. God Bless, and May he give you the strength and courage you need to see Avery's light in the darkest days.
May 16, 2018
My heart is completely broken for this sweet girl. Her love will still be here. When you get lost and you can't find your way, her love will find you, and lead you home, always. ❤
Amanda Short
May 16, 2018
Prayers for Neill family. Little Avery's story touched my heart. I'm sorry for your loss of a precious angel. She is free and in God's hands.
Alisha Drapeau
May 16, 2018
My deepest sympathies to you. May you find comfort and peace knowing that Avery is in heaven. No more sickness. God bless you.
Lorrie Herron
May 16, 2018
Praying for all of your family. May you feel the comfort that Jesus so freely gives. I will be wearing purple tomorrow in memory of your sweet Avery. It was my daughter Jessica's favorite too. Both girls in the arms of Jesus now where we will see them again some day.
Christy Yourich
May 16, 2018
You are all in my thoughts and prayers ❤
May 16, 2018
Emily, you are by far the bravest mother I have ever seen, you are an inspiration to me and I am sure many others, this was a heartbreaking journey you and your family went through, you made it about love, caring and just being human when the ability to do so was beyond doing, my heart breaks for you and your beautiful family, but I thank you for allowing all of us to love and get to know your beautiful Avery, God has gained an angel, but he left one here on earth in you..much love and hugs from afar. Schalisa L Cole
Melanie Mitchell
May 16, 2018
I never met your family or beautiful Avery, but following your story on Facebook has touched me deeply. I have prayed for that little girl daily, sometimes several times a day, wanting a miracle for her but now she is in the most beautiful place with Jesus. I will continue my prayers for your family in the coming months and future. Thank you for sharing your daughter's journey, she touched more lives in such a short time, more than most people could ever imagine in a life time. I know she has forever changed mine. Prayers!
Casey Taylor-Racinelli
May 16, 2018
May Avery rest forever in peace and health in the arms of Jesus. - with deepest sympathy, Casey TaylorRacinelli
Jada Orr
May 16, 2018
I followed your fb page like so many others. I am so sorry for the loss of you precious Avery. I hope that you can feel her around you and you receive signs from her. Continued prayers!
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4900 Green Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
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