Veronica Avery

Veronica’s Life Story

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I

have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me

at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6–8

Veronica Avery was born on September 30, 1950, to the late Mr. Offe Avery and Ms. Geraldine Atkinson-Avery in Brooklyn, New

York, and was raised by her aunt, the late Ms. Swannie Mae Avery, in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Veronica attended Smithfield-Selma Senior High School and was a member of the school’s first graduating class in 1970. She

worked for many years, but her most rewarding and cherished role was being a mother to Kiawana and Damien (Kenisha) Avery.

Veronica loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Evans Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she served as head usher for over 10

years and as a member of the trustee board. She had an infectious smile and a big personality that could fill any room she entered. In her spare

time, she enjoyed completing puzzle books, traveling with friends, and spending time in Florida with her son, daughter, and grand-puppy, Onyx.

Cherishing her memory are her children; brothers Terry (Diane) Avery and Rigney Avery, both of Smithfield, North Carolina; special daughter,

Kendra Mays of Smithfield, North Carolina; and her children’s grandmother, Dottie Sanders. She also leaves behind her sister-cousins: Rosa

(Ralph) Edwards of Selma, North Carolina; Laura Ingram of Smithfield, North Carolina; Bernice (Dee) Durham of Smithfield, North Carolina; and

Winifred Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina; as well as brother-cousins: Charles (Etta) Avery of Clayton, North Carolina, and Bernard

Bryant of Selma, North Carolina. Her extended family includes: Marshall Nixon of Smithfield, North Carolina; Angela (Kenneth) Wright of Maryland;

Marsha (Curtis) Small of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Serena (Jimmy) Lofton of Bailey, North Carolina; Omar (Michelle) Reddick of Maryland;

and Travis Reddick of Durham, North Carolina.

Veronica is also remembered by her close friends: Sina Richardson of Smithfield, North Carolina; Jerry Williams of Selma, North Carolina; Olive

Bryant of Smithfield, North Carolina; Sarah Watson and Alice King of Smithfield, North Carolina; Emma Graham of Virginia; and Doug and Robin

Watson of Smithfield, North Carolina, along with many other family and friends.

To Mom, From Sugarfoot

I miss you, Mom. I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of

you in silence, and I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, and I have you in my heart.

Love, Sugarfoot

To Mom, From Kiawana

To my dearest Mom, though you’re not here, I feel your presence always so near. Your loving guidance is a light in my heart, a bond that death

can never tear apart. I see your halo, a radiant sign, a mother’s love eternally divine. Though tears may fall when I think of you, I’ll celebrate your 

life, beautiful and true.

Love, Kiawana