Obituaries | O'Reilly Funeral Home, Inc.

Avis talked about the love of God and her beliefs easily. She created the foundation of a Christian home and raised her children with those same values. She was always searching for purpose and asking herself “What does God want me to do?” Despite obstacles and challenges, she saw each day as a gift from God and a chance to overcome, and she always strived to do better and be a better person.

Avis was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Her family, and being there for them, was so precious to her. Her friends were just another extension of her family, and she treated people with kindness and caring. She was the person who encouraged you and basked in your success, and she was the first person to understand your pain. Avis found joy and happiness in the little things, and she loved to laugh. She lived a life of gratitude, and appreciated every achievement, no matter how small.

For Avis, her home was more than the bricks and mortar that make a house. It was a place of great comfort. She lived in her home for over 40 years, and it contained all her memories. Most of all it was where she could be still, meditate and reflect. All of us, hopefully, have a place that we call home where we can feel loved, safe, appreciated and at peace. She exhibited generosity, strength, courage, grace, and resilience. She also had the ability to listen without judgment as well as give good advice to friends and family.

We have all benefited in some way from knowing Avis and have appreciated the values she embodied. She will surely be missed among those who had the good fortune to have her in their lives, whether for a few minutes or many years. Her father’s nickname for her was “Sunshine” for her laugh and smile, and she was truly warmth and light.

Among her things, a poem was found, entitled “A Celebration of the Gift of Life.” I close with this adapted excerpt, which is how she lived her life:

Life is a gift [from God]…Accept it.
Life is a challenge…Meet it.
Life is an adventure…[Embrace] it.
Life is sorrow…Overcome it.
Life is duty…Perform it.
Life is a struggle…[Rise above] it.
Life is an opportunity…Take it.
Life is a journey…Complete it.

We celebrate Avis’s life as we know she has completed her journey and is with the Lord. She has left us with an amazing legacy, and she would want us to rejoice and cherish this precious gift of life.

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