Joyce Ann Avery

Joyce Ann Avery was born July 24, 1946 in Crossett, Arkansas to Earl Lee Sr. and Vertis Mae Henry Avery.

Joyce Ann was preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Jeannette Tubbs Henry, Earl Lee Henry Jr., Anthony Louis Mills, niece Bronwyn L Avery and nephew baby Kerry L Drane.

Joyce Ann spent her youth in Crossett, Arkansas and McKinney, Texas and attended Doty School and then FW Gross High School in Victoria, Texas.

Her maternal grandparents, the late Samuel and Lillie Mae Henry were influential in her raising. Joyce Ann was a member of the Church of Christ.

Making her home in McKinney in her adult life, Joyce Ann worked in the health care services, retiring in 2008.

Gifted in the kitchen, she delighted in cooking and feeding people. Most of her family agree her potato salad, banana pudding, fried pork chops, 7up cake and smothered steak were the best. She loved the holidays as everyone stopped by her house for delicious food and fun. Her jokes and childhood stores were down-right hilarious, often causing uncontrivable laughter to the point of tears and literal belly aches.

She was a caregiver and baby- sitter to nieces, nephews and grandchildren. A day with Joyce Ann meant watching her favorite television programs like Wheel of Fortune, Hallmark Channel movies, Dancing with the Stars, The Price is Right, Star Search, and sometimes daytime soaps.

She had a soft spot for children, letting them talk, sing and play loud and dancing everywhere. She only half reprimanded anyone for "ripping and running" through the house. As long as everyone got along it was fine. Her gentle words and songs taught many kindness and forgiveness, and she was happiest when harmony abounded. She taught us to look out for each other and to be helpful doers.

As a health care worker Joyce Ann easily befriended countless patients and was a favorite staffer at nursing facilities and private homes. Patients trusted her and looked forward to her visits. She was cheerful, compassionate, and a great listener and comforter. She demonstrated the kind of friendliness that every human deserves and should strive to offer to others.

Joyce Ann was the mother to Phyllis Yvonne Avery Threadgill of Houston, Texas; Eric Keith Avery of McKinney, Texas; Shasta Tenille Avery Burnett (Cliff) of McKinney, Texas and Tracey Dianne Avery Butler (Landus Sr.) of McKinney, Texas. She dearly loved her children and famously adored and doted over them all.

She had a visible and undeniable bond with her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews and will be remembered as the "peace maker" of the group. She forever gave the group smiles and hugs. She had a special way with people and took it personally to the right words to cheer you up and make you feel better. Nobody said "I love you" more than Joyce Ann.

In addition to her children, she leaves cherished memories to siblings Nancy J Drane of Dallas, Texas; Donna Sue Avery of McKinney, Texas; Thelma Michelle Terrell of McKinney, Texas and Vertis Marie Chapman-Jarrett (Daniel) of McKinney, Texas.

She is survived by long time special-friend Jesse Ray Phillips of McKinney, Texas.

Special daughters surviving are Sheila Philips-Fernandez and LaShusta Phillips-Murphy.

Surviving grandchildren are Delfin Avery Threadgill, Austin Threadgill, Jacolby Avery, Kelan Avery, Kendrick Hotchkins Jr., Quachae Hotchkins, Keylan Tennison, Vavaeh Tennison, Kevon Watson, Kyler Watson, Erica Hancock, Deiron Hancock, Keyira Avery, Mariah Dixon, Miranda Dixon, Landus Butler Jr., Londro Butler, and Talandria Butler.

Special grandchildren surviving are Keishun Tennison and Makiah Burnett.

Surviving nieces and nephews are Amanda Garner, David Drane, Glenn Drane, Empress Drane, Ralph Bollin Jr., Charles Avery, Tria Avery, Mecha Kelly, Denia Watkins, Quinllon Murphy, Teffeni Tarver, Mikesha Sanders, Travis Tarver II, Vitoria Tarver, Tashi Jones, Xavier Mills, Anthony Mills, Jackson Mills, and Wayne Murphy.

She is also survived by many extended family and friends.