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Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel

1020 Huguenot Road

Midlothian, Virginia

Avery Spence Obituary

SPENCE, Avery Hanna, 17, of Midlothian, joined the angels Sunday, May 1, 2011. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Betty Spence; aunt, Penny Spence McCulloch; and cousin, L.G. Spence. She is survived by her parents, Paul and Carolyn Spence; sisters, Aryn and Ashton Spence; maternal grandparents, George and Vera Muller; grandmother, Catherine Spence; aunts and uncles, Larry and Pam Masters, Pete and Ellen Spence, Pat and Dan Walters, Dave McCulloch, Steve and Dreama Muller, Ken and Judy Muller, Don Muller, Jan and Steve Shreckhise, Ray Muller, Doug Muller and Barbara and Cliff Prillaman; and first cousins, Joe, Latha and Elizabeth Masters, Cam, Lindsey, Wendy and Troy Spence, Daniel, Nicole, Virginia and David Walters, Meredith and Dale Glass, Megan, David and Kipp McCulloch, Tiffany and Stu Shomo, Crystal Muller, Kenneth Muller, Brooke and Nathan Lubben, Amber and Josh Craft, Donna and Andy Eure, Tara and Jay Jones, Robert, Kristen and Julie Shreckhise, Ryan and Michael Cave, Daniel and Megan Prillaman; godparents, Scott and Bobbie Stacy; and a host of other close family members and dear friends. Her constant smile was a reflection of her inner joy and the love of family and the friendships she cherished. Avery was a senior at Manchester High School and a registered student at Virginia Tech for the fall of 2011. She was a Junior Marshall and a member of Kick-off Mentor Council, National Spanish Honor Society and the Beta Club. She planned to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this Saturday. Soccer was a major part of her life. She was the captain of the Manchester High School Girls Varsity team, 1st Team All-District All Academic, and a member of the Richmond Kickers Youth U-17 Elite soccer team. She shared her love of soccer by volunteering for many soccer clinics. Visitation is Wednesday, May 4, at Woody Funeral Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road, 6 to 8 p.m., and a memorial service will take place Thursday, May 5, at Clover Hill Assembly of God, 12310 Bailey Bridge Road, at 10 a.m. Condolences may be made at woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from May 3 to May 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Avery Spence

Not sure what to say?





Kayla Cave

April 30, 2012

Wearing orange tomorrow to represent Avery's anniversery of her death! We all miss u Avery!

Amy Winn DeVries

June 23, 2011

Dear Paul and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the feelings for you all. She seemed like such a wonderful girl and I just wanted to reach out to you, Paul and let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you, your wife, your girls and the family.
Take care,

Jamie Nicole

June 20, 2011

avery was an amazing girl. I did not get the chance to meet her in person but she has the looks the smarts she was an amazing soccer player and I want to be just like Avery playing soccer We love and miss you baby cakes <3

Bestfriends forever..... Love & miss you ever minute of every day!

Taylor Salyers

May 24, 2011

May 23, 2011

Carolyn, Paul, Aryn, and Ashton,
Words can't express our sorrow over hearing about Avery. Our memories of her are from many years ago when you were our backyard neighbors in Brandon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you with His comforting peace,
The Kessel family

Eric Dewey

May 18, 2011

Eric Dewey

May 18, 2011

Gayle McCants

May 18, 2011

Dear Paul and Family,
Mac & I were saddened & devastated to learn of the death of your precious daughter, Avery.
We had just heard about your Dad a few days before. We enjoyed your family so much and were Civitans together for many years.
We have lived in Sandbridge since 1998 sometimes it takes a while for news to trickle down this way.
My grand daughter, Emily Smigo, Kim's daughter, and Avery were friends. Emily will graduate from Cosby this year. She attended all of the services for Avery and joins me in sending her deepest sympathy as well as Buddy, Kim & Daren.
Our church in Sandbridge prayed for your family this past Sunday.
Please know all of you continue to be in our thoughts & prayers.

Mary Alsip

May 16, 2011

Carolyn and family,
There are no words that can express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Please know that warm thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you all.

Jeanie & Jimmy Parrish

May 13, 2011

We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Church friends of Vera and George Muller,
Jimmy, Jeanie, Madison, and Ainsley Parrish

May 12, 2011

This Child of Mine
by: Edgar A. Guest, Source Unknown

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Comment on Article

"I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine," God said,
"For you to have the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three;
But will you 'till I call him back
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And, should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
In search for teachers true;
And from the throngs that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.

Now, will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
This lent child back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say:
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joys Thy child will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shower him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should Thy angel call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

Michael Newcomb

May 11, 2011

Paul, Carolyn, Aryn, and Ashton I am at a loss for words on hearing the news. I know God has a purpose for us all and we never know when he will make that call. It never seems the time is right and those of us left behind have some many questions that seemingly have no answer. Rita and I along with the boys will keep you in our prayers. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.

Michael and Rita Newcomb

Floyd and Denise Burton

May 7, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Debra Murphy

May 7, 2011

Dear Carolyn, Paul, Aryn and Ashton,
My heart has been carrying you in prayer, thoughts and comfort. I am so saddened and truly sorry for the loss of your daughter. I did not have the privilege of knowing her, but my son went to school with her. She touched everyone with her laughter, smiles, hugs, fortitude, smarts, wit and more. What an incredible young woman! It is a tribute to the both of you, as parents, that you raised such an amazing young lady from all that has been said, done and shown by everyone. She touched many with her love and kindness. I send hugs, prayers and comfort to all of you and her two sisters. I hope God keeps you wrapped in his arms and you find peace in her memories. I have been going to her memorial at school and thinking of her and you all constantly. I wish there were more I could do for you all ....please reach out to others, no matter what time of day or night you may need them. You are surrounded by a family, friends and a community who wishes nothing but to support you all. God bless you and your angel in heaven. Debra, Derek and Nick Murphy

Jackie Rittenhouse

May 7, 2011

To the Spence family,
Thinking of all of you and hoping that all the wonderful memories of Avery will help you through the tough time ahead. She touched so many lives in the 17 years she was here. You are an amazing family, so strong and supportive of one another. I will pray for all of you for, God Bless you. Jackie and Brittany Rittenhouse

David Farmer

May 6, 2011

Paul and Carolyn:
Paul, I recognized you from the news. We played tennis together at Thomas Dale and went to Radford together. I just wanted to let you and your family know how sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

Donna Waters

May 6, 2011

I do not know your family, but I heard about your daughter Avery at my church. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Avery. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth Partin

May 6, 2011

Carolyn and Paul,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I remember when Carolyn was pregnant with Avery and the day she was born. I can remember sitting up at Chip. waiting for her to be born. It's been a long time since I saw either of you and the other night was not the way I wanted to see you again. Please take care and know your family is in my heart and prayers. Please do not hesitate to contact me with anything you need. 241-1591

Beth Anderson-Partin (Zellerbach)

Michelle

May 5, 2011

Thinking of your family at this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family

Angela Padua

May 5, 2011

To the Spence Family,
My heart aches for all that knew Avery. Avery was a mentor to my daughter, she tutored her in math. My daughter always spoke highly of her. Many thoughts and prayers are coming to your family through not only my family, but the whole community. With our Deepest Sympathy.

C.J. Wright

May 5, 2011

Dear Aryn and Spence Family,
All my thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I am so sorry for your pain. I've heard so many wonderful things about Avery - My prayer for your family is that you hold tight to those wonderful memories.

C.J. Wright

Kayla Cave

May 5, 2011

Spence family I am very sorry about your loss. Your family is in my prayers

Dawn Thornton-Harper

May 5, 2011

To the Spence Family,
I can't find the words to comfort you...but I know that having the Good Lord in your Heart will help. I didn't know Avery, but a lot of my friends children knew Avery, and thought the world of her!! They said she was sweet, caring and always had a Beautiful smile on her face. Yes, she had a lot to look forward to in her future....but "GOD" had bigger and much brighter plans for her. Avery, is a true Angel now and has earned her wings. Just know, she will always be looking over your family and looking down with a Huge smile. R.I.P Sweet Avery

Tommy and Jackie Jackson

May 5, 2011

Paul,
You and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers. May the Lord bless you with much peace and comfort during this time. May your sweet memories and deep faith sustain you.

Donna Atkins

May 5, 2011

R.I.P. Avery Spence,my thoughts and prayers go out the family and all her loved ones.She's with the angels now.

Anita Crean

May 5, 2011

To the Spence Family,
May you find strength in God and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our memories of Avery come from long ago, but she was beautiful even then.
Hugs and Prayers,
Anita, John, Patrick and Will Crean

sammie cochran

May 5, 2011

oh my gosh i never knew you but you are gorgeous and i'm very sorry that you passed away, you are in my prares.<3

Traci (Goodwyn) Jones

May 5, 2011

My heart goes out to you and your family. My family told my about your daughter Avery. I never had the honor of meeting your beautiful daughter, but reading through the guest book and looking at her photos- I know she must have been a very special person and a joy to her family.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Peggy Donivan

May 5, 2011

The Spence Family,

We are so terribly sorry about Avery. She was a joy to watch on the soccer field and I know she was loved by her Lancer teammates. Avery played soccer with my daughter, Erin, and her loss has touch everyone very deeply. She will be remembered forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

May 5, 2011

I am so sad to hear of your loss. Your family is in my prayers!

Angila McGuire

May 5, 2011

i'm so sorry about avery!

Rick Thurston

May 5, 2011

Paul,so very sorry to hear of your family's loss.

May 5, 2011

My heart goes out to goes out to you guys i could not begin to imagine what you are going through!, I did not know Avery your gorgeous baby girl personally but she was a beatiful and sucessfull young lady. As I have seen and read she was an amazing loving girl who always knew what to say and had a smile that lite up a dull room! Know that god always has a plan, its hard to accept the fact shes gone but there WAS a reason!!She is now watching over you guys, and sends her love from above! I will be prayingg for you guys! lots of love! fly high Avery! youuu aree missedd byy manyyy butt neverr forgoteenn!

Holly Simmons

May 5, 2011

To The Spence Family,
Please know that Avery is looking down on you all spreading her heavenly wings given to her by God. Her legacy will live on in everyone that knows her, and her smile will be remembered by all whose lives she touched. May God continue to hold each of you in the palms of his hands.

May 5, 2011

Paul, Carolyn, Aryn and Ashton,

We are good friends of Pam and Larry, and have heard how wonderful your family is. We were so sorry to hear about Avery. We have children and grandchildren, and cannot imagine the pain in losing one of them. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob and Mary Jo Redmon

May 5, 2011

Carolyn, Paul, Aryn and Ashton,
We are so sorry to hear about Avery. She was such a beautiful, talented young lady and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our hearts go out to you during this time. Your family will be in our prayers and may God give you strength.

Sincerely,
The Pritchards
Doug, Amy, Elise & Elaina

L B

May 5, 2011

The Spence Family,

Avery played soccer with our daughter Stephanie several years ago with the Kickers and as an opponent through middle and high school games. We want you to know that we have never forgotten her kindness, as well as the families in welcoming us onto the team. We have not been able to stop thinking of you since we first heard of the accident. Please know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers and will be forever. Keep your faith. God will guide you through these rough times.

~Stephen, Loretta, Stephanie and Dakota Boychuck

Kathy Swader

May 5, 2011

My heart goes out to the Spence family. I just can't imagine the loss you are feeling right now.I know the Walters family so I know you are surrounded by love. As for Avery, being a soccer player, she has scored the ultimate goal which we all hope to score in our life. She is in Heaven with God and looking down on everyone tending our ultimate goal. God bless!

May 5, 2011

my prayers are with her family and friends

Carol Bateman

May 5, 2011

Paul and Carolyn and Family,
We are so sorry. We met Avery when she was young. She turned into a beautiful young woman. I know you all will miss her. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol and Bob Bateman (I am Alex's aunt, Marianne's sister)

Natalea Honeycutt

May 5, 2011

My thoughts & prays are with you during this time. I am so very sorry. The only comfort that I can offer is that Avery is in good hands, with the Lord, Penny & the others now, waiting to see you again. Avery would want you to be strong.

Kyle Coble

May 5, 2011

Dear Spence Family,
I know this is a very sad time for you. Larry told me what happened. I lost my brother many years ago in an auto accident. Words do not express the sorrow I know you feel.

Dan and Ginny Walker

May 5, 2011

Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Bryan Ray

May 5, 2011

Paul and Family,

This is Bryan Ray with Home Pro Remodeling. On behalf of myself and my crew, I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies at the loss of your beautiful young daughter. Though I never knew Avery, I can tell from the pictures, video and many submissions to this guest book that she was a very special person and I'm sure that she was one of the greatest joys in your life. Those of us that have not personally experienced what you are going through right now, can probably never imagine what it feels like......so, I won't even begin to tell you that I know, because I don't. Believe me, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since William called me with the news on Monday morning. I know that you are very busy right now and that you are surrounded by loads of close friends and relatives.......not to mention what would appear to be hundreds and hundreds of teenagers that knew and loved your daughter. From what I can see, she was a very popular and well loved young woman and I'm sure that there will be hundreds of other young folks mourning with you today and in the coming weeks and trying to make sense of this tragedy. These are the times that test our faith and make it hard to understand and believe that God has a plan for each of us and that everything happens for a reason. If there is anything at all that we can do to help you and your family during this time, please don't hesitate to ask. You have our deepest, heart felt condolences on your loss. I wish I could be with you today at the memorial service, but I think I will leave the seating for all of the young folks that actually knew her, and I'm sure will want to attend. We will be thinking of you.

Bryan Ray and the crew at Home Pro Remodeling and Building

May 5, 2011

May God give your family the strength needed to get through each day without Avery. Although she was with you for a short time, may her beautiful smile, love for all of you and joy of life enrich each of you forever. She will always be with each of you until you are together again. God bless each of you.

Marsha Botset

May 5, 2011

Paul, Carolyn, and girls,
After visiting at the funeral home last night my heart ached even more at your loss. The outpouring of love from classmates and friends was overwhelming. It was evident that Avery, in her short life here on the earth, touched many lives. I feel certain that those who knew and loved her are better because of her. Our prayer is that you find comfort and peace in knowing what a wonderful, caring, and loved daughter Avery was.
Marsha and Richard Botset

Shelly Schuetz

May 4, 2011

Dear Spence Family,

We were so sad to hear of the terrible news of Avery's untimely death. I cannot stop thinking of your family during this difficult time. Our hearts ache with yours. We are praying for all of you! May you find comfort and peace knowing how much the community loved Avery.

The Schuetz Family
Shelly, Urs, Rebecca, Alyssa and Marcus

Tim & Christy Lyons

May 4, 2011

Carolyn, our hearts were broken when we heard of your loss. Our many prayers go our to you, Paul, Aryn, and Ashton.

Terry Brown

May 4, 2011

We knew Avery through our children Tyler and Meagan, and she was truly a beautiful person inside and out. We will miss her infectious smile and loving personality. She was an angel on earth and now is an angel in heaven.
Our hearts are with you at this sad time. Rick, Terry, Tyler and Meagan Brown

Linda Glass

May 4, 2011

Paul and Carolyn,
I cannot imagine how it must be for your family with the loss of such a special young lady. The visitation tonight was both very sad but amazing. It was very apparent that you two are wonderful parents and raised an amazing daughter that has touched the lives of many people.

I LOVE YOU AVERY !!!! <3

Jasmine Simpson

May 4, 2011

Robert Simmons

May 4, 2011

Paul and Carolyn,

I was so very sorry to hear about Avery. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Callie Keller

May 4, 2011

Aryn & Ashton: Always remember that no matter how many tears you cry you will always beable to look up to Heaven and know that your sister is now an angel. A guardian angel for you, your family, and all of the Lancers. If ya'll ever need anything or just need to get out let me know.
Mr. & Mrs. Spence: When I saw ya'll I couldn't hold back my tears. Ya'll are being so strong. Thank you for letting me come by your house. Seeing Avery's smile every day has been wierd but whenever we look up to Heaven we know that shes smiling up there with Jesus.


I love ya'll so much.

Love, Callie

May 4, 2011

My prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Avery. May God wrap you in His arms and give you comfort and peace.

Becky & Chad Levins

May 4, 2011

Carolyn- please know that you are constantly in our thoughts & each of my prayers. With a heavy heart I wish that God may grace you with only the comfort he can offer at such a tragic time. As the days wind down, please know that many of us are wishing for nothing more than peace for you & your family. With love & condolences.

May 4, 2011

Our Family would like to send our thoughts and prayers.

May 4, 2011

Carolyn & Paul, we so warmly remember your entire family while still in the area, a member of the Loch Braemar pool. So wonderful a family. Loving parents & children. And so crushing a loss. How to help bear the cross... Yet the memory of such a beautiful one, your dearest Avery, will carry you on.

Sharon, Anil, Nikki & Leah Chatterji

Amy Tolbert

May 4, 2011

Paul, Carolyn, Aryn, and Ashton,

We love ya'll so much and have enjoyed getting to know your family these past few years. We are truly saddened by the loss of your sweet Avery. We just want you all to know how much we love you and that we are surrounding your family in prayer. ( and any time you want Macy to let Jake out, just give us a call)

Love ya'll,
Mike, Amy Abby, Katie and Macy

May 4, 2011

Dear Paul and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I know that Penny is watching over her now. All of you are in my heart.
Love

Darlene Marshall Anthony and family

Victoria Myers

May 4, 2011

Avery you will always be a Lancer we will never forget you<3 have fun in heaven and show everyone that big smile of yours:).. look at you now<3

Pat & Bill Roscopf

May 4, 2011

We are deeply saddened by the loss of your daughter. As the mother of a child who was killed at an early age, I feel your pain. We pray God gives you
the strength and courage to keep you going.

Boune Family

May 4, 2011

Dear Spence Family,

I can't remember ever meeting Avery but I want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Our son is a senior at Manchester and was in several of Avery's classes. He has told us stories this week that make it feel like we did know her. Children are a gift from god and she was a very special gift. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Monica Rominger Weeks and family

May 4, 2011

I cannot imagine your grief. Your family is in our prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous

May 4, 2011

To the Spence family .. I knew your daughter .. Not like I wanted to know her, but she was in the Kick-Off mentor program with me at Manchester. Over that period of time this year, I got to know her, but didn't become a close friend to her as I wish I had. She was/is an amazing person to know & I give my complete support & open arms to the family. She shall be kept in my thoughts until the day I die & you as a family will be there as well. I hope all goes well in your life after this tragic loss. I'm extremely sorry, but extremely grateful that I got meet her. You raised a wonderful young lady. I will be attending the memorial tomorrow .. So, I give my best of wishes to you.

Kennedy Bryant

May 4, 2011

Avery You will never be forgotten...We will always remember your warm smile every. Once A Lancer Always A Lancer R.I.P Avery Spence

Patti Rawls

May 4, 2011

Dear Spence family, We are so saddened by the heartbreaking loss of Avery. Our daughter Meredith was a classmate of Avery's @ Providence Elem. and swam with her on the GPST. She always had such a beautiful smile. We pray for God's peace to give you comfort at this difficult time.
Steve,Patti,Meredith and Mason Rawls

May 4, 2011

God be with you Spence family.

Jen Woodie

May 4, 2011

Always in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary & Scott Simpson

May 4, 2011

Paul,Carolyn,Aryn and Ashton,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Wirz family

May 4, 2011

There are no words to express our sorrow for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.

Debbie Ooi

May 4, 2011

Dear Carolyn, Paul, Aryn, and Ashton..Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. She was the cheerleader of the swim team and a role model for many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.

The Oois

May 4, 2011

The Gravitte Family

May 4, 2011

Dear Paul and Carolyn,
We are so heart sore to hear about the untimely death of Avery. We send you love and prayers that you can find peace,
Love always, Ricky and Lisa

That Smile!

May 4, 2011

Doing what you do best

May 4, 2011

Kendall Hall

May 4, 2011

There are no words to express our sorrow and grief at the loss of your precious daughter. She touched many lives at Manchester, and will be greatly missed. Her light and infectous spirit will live on through all of those her knew her and loved her.
Sincerely,
Coach Tom Hall and Family (Kendall, Stephanie, and Lindsey)

May 4, 2011

Avey will always and forever be a part of our family. She was a third daughter to us. She gave Caylee something that is so hard to find these days and that is a true best friend. All the memories that Avery helped create for our family will live on through pictures and stories. You are a true angel Ave and we will miss you dearly. We were all blessed to have been able to have you in our lives.
Love you all, Bri, Pammama, Caylee and Payton Cook

May 4, 2011

My heart goes out to you. The Spence family will be in my prayers.

Amanda Poynor

May 4, 2011

I did not know you. Your story touched my heart and I felt a sadness very seldom known. I can only hope for the best for your family as they cope with your loss. God bless and keep you and your family.

Warren/Melanie Pruett

May 4, 2011

Our family would like to share our prayers of comfort with you at such a difficult time.
In loving memory,

May 4, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Paige Westfall

May 4, 2011

Paul and Carolyn,
There are simply no words that can express how deeply saddened we are about the loss of your loving daughter, Avery. May God wrap his love around you and give you the comfort and strength you need to deal with such tremendous heartache. Our prayers are with you, your family and Avery's friends.

Sincerely,
Paige Westfall and Jimmy Newcomb

Miseirvitch Family

May 4, 2011

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I am sorrry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Maricar Davis

May 4, 2011

To the Spence Family,

We heard of Avery through our daughter who was at the Cosby prom. The idea of our children passing before us parents, is unimaginable and i cannot even begin to describe the pain you must be feeling....Time heals, and the thoughts of the lives Avery touched in her short life will comfort you. From what I,ve read and heard, she was an extraordinary girl who left a mark in everyone she met. She touched my life and I didn't even know her...

Our prayers and condolences to your family.


Tony, Maricar,Colin,Colby Davis

Dorothy Hayton

May 4, 2011

Dear Spence Family,

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your family. God must have needed an Angel in heaven and chose your precious Avery. We had the priviledge of meeting Avery and getting to know your family from the BHP Swim Team. We are very thankful for that. Even though Avery was taken away from you so quickly and at a young age, she will always be remembered for her shining personality. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Sincerely,
Fred, Dorothy and Frederick Hayton

May 4, 2011

Many Blessings!

Kendal Furrow

May 4, 2011

Avery Hanna Spence, we know you are up in heaven watching over all of us. We all love and miss you more than words can even explain. Avery was an AMAZING girl and a great mentor to me. I am so sorry for Avery's familys lost,it's hard for me,so I know how hard it is for her family. We will never forget you Avery Hanna Spence!!! Your Manchesters Guardian Angel:)

jebria jones

May 4, 2011

Avery , you will be very missed <3

Michele Hanna

May 4, 2011

Our family has lost so much in the last few weeks, but as someone put it last week about Dad, Avery is not lost, we know exactly where she is . . . she's watching over us along side of Dad (Uncle Doug),Grandmom, Granddaddy, Aunt Betty, Uncle Lloyd, Penny and L.G. As they watch over us from above, we will all watch over each other until we all are together again. Love to all,
Missy

Dick Whitmore

May 4, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

May 4, 2011

My Dearest Avery, As I imagine you crossing through Heaven's gates, I see you runing as you did when you were two, in your pink jellies, never slowing down, never looking back and always laughing. I love you, Marsha

May 4, 2011

May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Avery.

Kim Boyd Carroll

May 4, 2011

Paul, Carolyn and girls,
I don't really know what to say except that you and your family are so loved. What a heartbreaking loss your family, this community, and this world have endured. Having grown up with the Spence family, I know that there are NO better people in this world. I love you all dearly, and cry and mourn with you. God loves you too, and I know only He can comfort this loss, and He will in His time. I look forward to seeing your beautiful Avery in heaven.
Love and prayers,

Kim Boyd Carroll

Paul Spence

May 4, 2011

I am so very proud to be Avery's dad. Avery was a strong young lady and would be so proud of her dear friends and family who have come together in the past few days to give each other strength. Please keep her in your hearts and remember that she has not left us, but is closer than she has ever been before. I love our family and friends

Sandra Rodriguez and family

May 4, 2011

Dear Spence family,
As a family of the BHP community, I was very saddened to hear about Avery and my thoughts have been consumed by your family these past couple of days. As a parent who has also lost a child, I know all too well the pain and heartache you are enduring right now. Hold each other tight as the love of your family will help ease the pain. Your family will continue to be in my prayers and may God give you comfort and peace now and always. We are deeply sorry for your loss. God bless you all.

Cliff and Shari Gendron

May 4, 2011

May God Bless you all. We are truly sorry for your loss. We pray your heart can heal so you can enjoy your everlasting memories.

Tammy Byrne

May 4, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, I can't begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. My son was friends with Avery and I am sorry I never had the honor of knowing her. May God be with you to help you through this terrible loss and know that she was so loved and will be greatly missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Dovell

May 4, 2011

Like Tracie Hockaday, I am the mother of a 19 year old son who died March 13th this year. My son Patrick was a freshman at Radford. I,too,know the pain you are feeling. There are no words to describe it. I am thinking of your family and sharing in your loss. May peace come to you, in time.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel

1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113

How to support Avery's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

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

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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.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

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

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How to Write an Obituary

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

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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.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Avery Spence's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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

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How to Write an Obituary

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

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

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

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

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