Christine Josenelle Watson Avery

Christine Josenelle Watson Avery

EAGLE ROCK - Every once in a while, the Lord looks among earth to add a radiant flower to heavens garden. On Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, God called an angelic spirit to eternal glory. God's choice was Mrs. Christine Josenelle Watson Avery, affectionately and intimately know as "Ma C." Mrs. Avery began her earthly journey in Eagle Rock, N.C. on Feb. 21, 1927 the fourth of thirteen children to Little Barney and Katie Crews Watson. She attended the schools of Johnston County and Cooper High School, where she was Valedictorian of the Class of 1944. Her undergraduate education was at Shaw University, Raleigh, N.C. Her Master's Degree in Education was from Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, N.C.

Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. not only provided her with higher education, but with an opportunity to meet her soul mate, Nilous M. Avery of Garner, N.C. They began a 60 year journey on June 17, 1951. She joined him in his newly called pastorate to Hill Street Baptist Church, Asheville, NC in June 1951.

This partnership impacted many lives in: Hill Street Day Care Center, charter member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Asheville Chapter, numerous ministries for all ages at Hill Street, race relations in the Asheville-Buncombe County community, Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Association, Shaw University, General Baptist State Convention of NC, Inc., and numerous civic and religious organizations.

After completing over 40 years in the public schools system throughout North Carolina as a teacher and administrator, Mrs. Avery retired from the Asheville City Schools. After the retirement of her husband, they retired to their home area of Raleigh.

Those who shall forever cherish her memory are her husband, Rev. Dr. Nilous M. Avery, Sr. of the home; children, Rev. Dr. Nilous M. Avery, II, Salisbury, N.C., Dr. Kryste N. Avery-Moore (Warren), Piscataway, N.J., Mrs. Cici A. Weston (Randy) and Mr. Nian W. Avery, Asheville, N.C.; nine grandchildren; brothers, Lewis Watson, Raleigh, N.C., Frank Watson (Esther), Smithfield, N.C. and Rudy Watson (Phyllis), Clayton, N.C.; sisters, Elsie Cofield, New Haven, Conn., Nettie Shack (George), Detroit, Mich. and Janie Clayton (William), Clayton, N.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 at 12:00 noon at Hill Street Baptist Church, Asheville, NC with Rev. Dr. Keith A Ogden, Pastor, Rev. Dr. C.R. Edwards, officiating, Rev. Dr. Nilous M. Avery, II, Eulogist and on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at 12:00 noon at Lees Crossroad Baptist Church, Wendell, NC.

Condolences maybe sent to the family: Dr. Nilous M. Avery, Sr., 5220 Bridget Dr., Raleigh, NC. Obit courtesy of Hairston Funeral Home, Inc.