Avery Denison Graham Tatnall

Avery Denison Graham Tatnall died February 28, 2025 after a long illness. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Frederic W.W. and Bertha Smythe Graham, and her brother, Frederic Graham. She is survived by her children, Richard Stuart Tatnall of Richmond VA, Jennifer Tatnall McLeod (Edward) of Raleigh NC and Christopher Graham Tatnall of Raleigh NC; her grandchildren Randall Alexander McLeod (Luci Hague) of Bethesda MD and Amy McLeod Clark (Russell) of Raleigh NC; and 5 beautiful great grandchildren, Bruce, Beau, Lowell, Julianne and Edward.
Avery grew up in Chestnut Hill PA, attended Springside School and was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She then attended Mount Holyoke College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She married Runcie Lea Tatnall and they welcomed three children, Rick, Jenny and Chris, living primarily in Lafayette Hill PA. Avery worked hard raising her children and was very active at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh serving on the vestry and also as the rectors warden. She was active in numerous charities including ministry to a local prison. Service was always important to her. And while she could, she loved playing golf and bridge.
After her divorce, Avery worked as the Assistant to the President of Chestnut Hill College for many years. She loved her job and the people with whom she worked. After retiring, she moved to Raleigh to be closer to immediate family.
She had an active mind and continued to enjoy traveling, learning and serving as she became an active volunteer at First Presbyterian Church Raleigh in their Outreach Center and with their Prison Ministry program.
Avery loved her family - and she especially enjoyed being a grandmother to Amy and Randall. She also loved and appreciated her sister Carol Mancini and her family.
The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the Stewart Heathcare Center at the Springmoor Retirement Center and the great care they provided over these past four years.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a ministry that Avery loved, the Friendship Fund of First Presbyterian Church Raleigh (FPCRaleigh.org).