In Loving Memory of Gerald Devon Avery
March 23, 1961 – June 5, 2025

Gerald Devon Avery was born on March 23, 1961, in Smithfield North Carolina. He was the 10th child among 11 siblings born to the late Rosco Avery, Sr. and Lumel Avery.

A graduate of Smithfield-Selma Senior High School, Gerald dedicated many years of service to the Johnston County School System in Smithfield, NC, working faithfully in maintenance and facilities management until his health declined.

Gerald's life was marked by faith, love, and service. He was a devoted member of New Life Worship Center under the leadership of Apostle Joyce Stevens. In 2010, he was ordained as a deacon and from that moment was warmly known as Deacon Avery—a title he wore with pride and humility.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosco Sr. and Lumel Avery; his brothers Rosco Avery Jr., Carson Avery Sr., Fred Avery, and Cecil Avery; and his sisters Milda Lee, Jennifer Kinneary, and Roslyn Jones.

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Lorene Avery; two brothers, Willard Avery (Margret) of Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Terry Avery (Clara) of Leavenworth, Kansas; and one sister, Patricia Oneal (Joseph) of Willow Spring, North Carolina. He is also lovingly remembered by three sisters-in-law—Bobby, Trina, and Shirley—along with seven nieces, six nephews, six great-nieces, six great-nephews, one great-great-niece, and a host of cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Gerald Devon Avery will be remembered for his kind heart, strong faith, and the quiet strength with which he served his family, church, and community. His legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.