Dianne Avery

1937 - 2016

Dianne Avery

1937 - 2016

Dianne Avery Obituary

Published by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington on Dec. 16, 2016.
Dianne was born on November 29, 1937 and passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Dianne was a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina at the time of her passing. She was educated at St. Mary Catholic School and New Hanover High School and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill 1959. She was married to Thomas. There will be a visitation at the home of Wade and Ashley Wilson at 1709 Princess Street on Sunday night from 4 pm until 7 pm and a celebration of life ceremony on Monday at 2 pm at the Cameron Art Museum. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cameron Art Museum Opera House Theater Company or the North Carolina Aquarium Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Dianne Avery's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 25, 2016

brenda harriss posted to the memorial.

December 24, 2016

Glenn Davenport posted to the memorial.

December 21, 2016

Frances Robinson posted to the memorial.

brenda harriss

December 25, 2016

I am so sorry to learn of Dianne's death. She and I were thrilled when we first became grandmothers and we shared many happy memories about our experiences with those little ones. She was a loving sister, as well; my late husband, George, and I admired her fighting spirit when she gave her own stem cells to try to save her brother Steve's life.
Now, she is with both Tom and Steve.
She will be remembered fondly.

Glenn Davenport

December 24, 2016

I had Mrs. Avery as my 9th grade English teacher. I was in that last group that she taught, as she left mid-year to take the position with the district. She gave it her best everyday, and did it well and with ease, while always looking like a million bucks! I think she was a little sad when she addressed us to tell us she was moving on and I know we were. She will always be in that group of teachers that were the best that I had. I feel so blessed to have had her as a teacher.

Frances Robinson

December 21, 2016

My deepest condolences to the family. Diane had a sweet spirit. Gone but not forgotten. Rest in paradise, you have gained your wings, Fly Angel Fly .

Patsy Farrow

December 20, 2016

To Diane's family,
I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Diane's passing. She was such a special person and touched so many people's lives. She was my English teacher back at New Hanover. I ran into her a few years back and I don't think she ever forgot one student that she ever had. We all lost a great one and she will truly be missed. Keeping her entire family in my prayers

December 20, 2016

Last time I saw Dianne she looked wonderful, as usual. Surprised to read of her death. I knew her in 10th grade at New Hanover High School, when she wanted to have her hair styled like mine, and she had a big crush on a herein-unnamed hunky guy.

Eve Mcgee

December 19, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss..Diane was such a beautiful gracious lady . May you find comfort in knowing that she was loved by many.

Jessica and Robb Mairs

December 19, 2016

Dianne was such a lovely woman and I really enjoyed getting to know her over the past few years. She truly had a special role as grandmother. My sincerest condolences to the Wilsons for their loss.

December 18, 2016

Dearest Diane,
I got to know you through our dear friend Seldie. However, once I was introduced to you, you became my friend. Thank you for all the lovely times at Figure Eight, for the Jean's bean recipe, and telling me how to make your brownies. My biggest accomplishment was when you asked to take my brownies, made the way you make them, to other events on July 4th. You will be forever missed and will be forever embedded in many, many peoples' heart. Rest in peace dear, beautiful friend. In the words of Shakespeare, "although she be little, she was fierce". Love, Jan Mooneyham

Dru Farrar

December 18, 2016

Dianne was an inspiration to us all! I knew her as a colleague and as a very involved Grandparent to Spencer and Emily when I taught Music at Alderman. "Best Foot Forward" was the best thing to happen to the Arts in New Hanover County Schools. I admired her for conceiving this program and seeing it through for 21 years. My prayers are with you all.

Richard and Sally Giglio

December 17, 2016

Dear Ashley, Wade, Spencer and Emily,
We had the pleasure of spending three annual vacations at our Grand Mayan villa on the Riviera Maya with your mother and Grandmother and her friend, Bill Foster. We also visited her on Figure Eight Island and were witness to how much Dianne loved Art and her beloved aquarium in Wilmington. But her family was such a source of joy and pride to Dianne. She was a very witty, learned and elegant lady who bravely and stubbornly fought her cancer. We had such great times with her and know how determined she was to be at her beloved Spencer's wedding in England. If she didn't make it she was there in spirit. Our condolences to her family.

Julie Boatwright Pettee

December 17, 2016

To all of Diane's family and extended family~
I knew Diane to be a wonderfully kind, generous and fine lady in the truest sense of the word. Her contributions to this community are immeasurable. She will be missed by many.
May your fond memories and the caring words of friends and loved ones support you at this difficult time.

deanna collier

December 17, 2016

Truly sorry for your loss, Ashley and Wade.

Lucy Maldonado

December 17, 2016

I will always remember the warmth she showed welcoming me to her July 4th celebrations. Ashley's friends were her friends. Thank you Ashley and Wade for the fun times with Diane.

Debra Williams

December 17, 2016

Ashley and Wade, I was very sorry to hear of Dianne's passing. She was bright, witty, and elegant--a wonderful personality. Take comfort in your memories.

Barbara Payne

December 17, 2016

There will always be a soft spot in my heart for Dianne because when our military family moved back to Wilmington, my son Don was in her 9th grade class at Roland-Grise. He was shy and didn't know a single person, and she made sure he had somebody to eat lunch with and to be pals with. Two of those nice guys were Wade Wilson and Fox Vernon, who remained friends throughout the years. What a difference she made in my son's life!

Marsha Pridgen

December 17, 2016

Ashley
We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Sincerely
Gary and Marsha Ritter Pridgen

Melicent Jeter

December 17, 2016

I am so very sorry. Your mother was very beautiful.

Janie Bird

December 17, 2016

Dear Dianne,
You were a thoughtful, delightful person. I will miss seeing you walking to the Yacht Club each day. I know that you are walking with the angels now and you are probably telling them a humorous story!

Patricia Roseman

December 17, 2016

Ashley, Wade, Spencer and Emily,
Your mother and grandmother was a remarkable woman. Not only could she walk circles around most of us, she could engage in any conversation or activity, anywhere and anytime. She was the most amazing FLOF8YC where I got to know her best. We remarked over these years how deeply we felt about and enjoyed our lives in this wonderful place. Her famous wit would send us into peals of laughter as we tried to walk gracefully in the sand. Though I had not seen much of her in these last months I spoke with her 3 weeks ago and she was the same optimistic Dianne.....She fought a good battle all the way to the end. I shall miss her. Most sincerely, Patricia Roseman

Susan Jarman

December 17, 2016

Ashley and Wade....my thoughts and prayers are with you. Ashley, I didn't know that Dianne was your mother. She was such an elegant and special lady. She assisted me many times during my real estate career. I am sure she will be missed by many. May her memory live on in your hearts and lives forever!

Sheryl Howard

December 16, 2016

Dianne will be greatly missed. My thoughts and Prayers are with the family.
I was a student at New Hanover High School while she was a teacher there and
also worked with her many years in the
Administrative Office of New Hanover County Schools.

December 16, 2016

Love you.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Dianne Avery's name

People and places connected with Dianne
How to support Dianne's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Dianne Avery's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Dianne Avery's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 25, 2016

brenda harriss posted to the memorial.

December 24, 2016

Glenn Davenport posted to the memorial.

December 21, 2016

Frances Robinson posted to the memorial.