Mary Mildred Avis

Mary Mildred Avis, 77, of Rocky Mount, VA passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. She was preceded in passing by her husband of 56 years, Harold Lewis Avis. She is survived by her four children; her daughter, Ann Jessee and her husband, Terry Jessee; her daughter, Faye King; her daughter, Penny Wheeler and her husband, Kent Wheeler; her son, James Lewis Avis and his wife, Debbie Avis. Mildred was one of 12 children and is survived by Opal Prevento, Nancy Hicks, Joyce Duff, Ted Duff, Grover Duff, and Tommy Duff. Her remaining siblings passed on before her; Marie Perdue, Violet Rayman, Claude Duff, Pete Duff, and Junior Duff. In addition to her children and siblings, she leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Joshua Lucas, Sheena Tatem, Kevin Jessee, Beth Gordon, James Avis, Chris Avis, Dustin Avis, Cody Avis, Autumn Williams, and Crystal Irby; and another 13 great grandchildren. Mildred was born on May 1, 1940 in Beckley, West Virginia to Andrew Robert Duff and Rosa Kathleen Duff. Growing up in a large household on a farm, Mildred spent her time helping her family tend to the daily chores while still attending school. She was never one to talk much about her younger years, but the memory of those that grew up in her loving embrace is strong. Mildred always had others in mind and would sacrifice anything of her own to make someone she loved happy. She will always be remembered for her positive outlook on life and always seeing the best in people. We know not how our lives will ever be the same without her, but her influence on the character of so many will be felt for generations. She was the best of us. Visitation will be Friday, June 16 from 4-6 PM, with the funeral following on Saturday, June 17 at 2 PM. Both will be held at Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount, VA.