Willie Avery

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Willie Evelyn Avery, 61, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born July 27, 1942, in Ridgely, Tenn. to the late Mary Ella Hopson and James Martin. In 1965, she married Lincoln Alfonzo Avery Sr., who preceded her in death Dec. 16, 2002.

Survivors include three daughters, Evelyn Steele and Kay Lane of Sikeston and JoAnn Ransom of Cape Girar-deau; two sons, Lincoln Avery of Sikeston and Freddie Martin of Bakersfield, Calif.; one sister, Pauline Hamilton of Charleston, Mo.; and 14 grandchildren.

Three daughters, one son and two brothers preceded her in death.

Visitation is from 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lighthouse Ministries in Sikeston. Pastor Billy Williamson and the Rev. Anthony Ransom will officiate.

Burial will follow in Sunset of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston. Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.