Grace Avrette

1932 - 2024

Grace Avrette

May 7, 1932 - May 16, 2024

Lillington, North Carolina - Grace Avrette died peacefully in her home on May 16, 2024. Grace exhibited a quiet strength that enabled her family and those around her to shine. She leaves a legacy of family, faith, and love.

Born on March 7, 1932, Ella Grace Guy left high school early to marry her soulmate, Howard Avrette. Forty years later, she obtained her GED! Howard's job with Carolina Power and Light carried them to many places and Grace provided a home for him and her family wherever the path took them.

As a young couple, they didn't have many resources but Grace ensured that what they did have provided for them well. She began sewing clothes for her family as part of her resourcefulness. Later, she turned her skills into a career. She worked as a supervisor at the Blue Bell plant in Lillington, which made a name for itself in the manufacturing of denim apparel, including the iconic Wrangler jeans and shirts.

Family and friends enjoyed Grace's delicious meals! As part of her resourcefulness, she served farm to table before it became a novelty. She delighted in family gatherings and made sure she had enough cool whip containers and recycled to-go plates from Zaxby's for leftovers to be taken home. Howard and Grace began Howard's BBQ in Lillington in 1978. Her secret hushpuppy recipe, as well as her desserts, are legendary.

Grace created a beautiful yard over the decades. One of her greatest delights this spring was the vision from her kitchen window of blooming azaleas along the pond dam that began as stem cuttings she received from Mr. and Mrs. Bill Johnson's Garden long ago. Her yard boasted all varieties of irises, daylilies, hostas, and roses – until the deer discovered and enjoyed them.

Grace faithfully sought Christian fellowship wherever the family lived. They settled in Lillington in 1967 and began attending Lillington Baptist Church. She dearly loved her church family, especially the women in the Sara Womble Bible Study Class. She greatly appreciated the outreach and love bestowed upon her by her church family.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Avrette, her step-brother, Rudolph Davis, and her step-sister, Mildred Hamilton. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Anthony Avrette, Diane Claypool, and David (Cindy) Avrette; her grandchildren Kristie (Brandon) Meadows, Brian Avrette, Megan Peters, Jon (Rachel) Pittman, Seth (Hillary) Avrette, Zachary Avrette, and Matthew Avrette; and her great-grandchildren Mikayla, Jacob, Kynadie, Ryan, Christopher, Noah, Jaxon, Grace, and Emberly; as well as countless other family and friends.

There will be a celebration of her life at Lillington Baptist Church, 210 West Lofton Street, Lillington, NC, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 3:00. The family will receive friends immediately before the service on Sunday, from 1:45 to 2:45. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Harnett Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2084, Lillington, NC 27546.