Death of Avel Gladene Wood Briscoe Henry
This morning, Avel has passed away at 97 years old and thereby almost marks the end of the David Rufus and Lottie Wood family. Only a brother, Fred Wood, is still living. This strong willed and strong spirited woman was the first child out of ten siblings. Avel outlived her husbands, Lonnie Briscoe and Loui Henry, and her only child, Lonnie Brent Briscoe.
She exemplified the persona of a 19th century woman surviving into the 20th century. She was independent, self sufficient, highly intelligent, and resourceful.
Avel Gladene Wood was born January 2, 1916, in Arkansas. Growing up she lived with her parents in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas as the family moved to find work during the American Great-Depression. She came to Arizona in 1937 with her husband, Lonnie Briscoe, and her sister Pauline wood. They rode on the back of a truck on their way to California. They ran out of money in Phoenix and went to work for John Undiano picking cotton where Litchfield Park, Arizona, is today. Pauline married John in 1938 and they settled in Tolleson, Arizona. Avel and Lonnie stayed and lived in Tolleson also. Later, Avel and Lonnie Briscoe moved to Avondale, Arizona.
During World War II, she worked for Goodyear aircraft as a welder in the construction of Blimps (airships) used by the navy to hunt Nazi submarines. She once decided to learn how to repair televisions in the 1950s and took a mail order course. She raised rabbits, goats and chickens for food. Additionally, for many years, she successfully raised Mexican Chihuahua dogs to sell.
She had many other skills she pursued one of which was “folk medicine”. When Covene Wood was born, Avel milked a mare (mother horse) to provide milk for the under-nourished baby. Needless to say Covene lived for more than 80 years.
Avel was a pastor in the Christian Church and, of course, a devout Christian. She played the guitar and composed religious hymns. Her favorite composition was titled, “Goin’ Home To Jesus” where Avel is tonight.
Avel was loving and caring… a pleasure to know.
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