John William Avery, Jr.

John William Avery, Jr., 81 of New Bern, passed away April 7, 2012, at home with his family by his side.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deacon and sang in the choir at Colony Baptist Church for many years, but in his later years, he became a member of Ruth’s Chapel FWB Church. John is best known for his employment at Hills Clothing Store where he worked for 47 years. He also worked at J.C. Penney for nine years. His interests included fishing with his boys, story-telling, and meeting his friends at The Country Biscuit.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Avery, two sons, John Wilson Avery and wife Marion, Eddie Avery, and one daughter, Marlene A. French and husband Lee Roy, all of New Bern; one brother, James A. Avery, two sisters, Pearlie Swindell and husband Harry, of New Bern; Grace Eakes and husband Odis of Raleigh; he is preceded in death by his sister, Rosa Mae Chase. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amy Thore, Mary Anna Lowe, Travais, Joseph and Maria Avery and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 8:00 pm Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Cotten Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Hospice 1310 Helen Ave., New Bern, NC 28560.