Avis Wright

Avis Lewellyn Wright, 96, went to be with Jesus on February 6, 2024, at her home in Verona. 

Her smile lit up a room and her faith in the Lord drove her zeal for life and her love for her family and friends. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Flory and her son-in-law, Donnie Flory of Mt. Sidney; her grandchildren, Candi Kincaid of Staunton and Jenny Kincaid Boone (Jason) of Roanoke; and Derek Flory, her step grandson, and his family. 

Other survivors include her niece, Teri Sue Sumey of Weyers Cave, and many special friends, including wonderful caregivers, who we really believe were the Lord’s kind and gracious answers to prayer.   

Avis is preceded in death by Lester Wright, her husband of 61 years; her parents, Thomas Carlton and Pauline Hayden Lewellyn; her sister, Isabelle Meredith; and three nephews, Robin, Randy, and Terry Sumey.

Avis was born on April 30, 1927, and was raised in Chatham and Staunton, VA. 

She taught school at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind for 31 years, where she received the Joe Shinpaugh Award for her excellence in teaching. Her ministry to the deaf was a calling directly related to being born to parents who were deaf, and extended past her career as a teacher and certified interpreter, which she did during retirement.  

She served the Lord faithfully at First Baptist Church in Staunton, where she was a member all of her life and where she and Lester met. She served as an interpreter, Sunday School teacher, and choir director for students and adults who were deaf. Avis also served as a Deacon and received the honor of Deacon Emeritus. 

Avis had infectious energy, a contagious laugh, and was deeply loved. She enjoyed planting flowers, shopping, painting her nails, watching the birds, and eating hot dogs and ice cream. Avis set an example for many through her generosity, love for the Lord, and love for others. She loved Bible study, visiting people and sending cards, inviting people to church, volunteering through different ministries such as Operation Christmas Child, and singing hymns. She loved to host people in her home, demonstrating a true gift of hospitality. Her favorite travels included camping, the beach and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or really anywhere that her family and friends could be together. 

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Augusta Memorial Park in Fishersville. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 12:45 PM in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Staunton. A celebration of life service will follow at 1:00 PM, conducted by Dr. Steve Traylor. 

A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall after the service.

Memorial donations may be made in Avis’ memory to the church she loved, First Baptist Church in Staunton (406 West Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401).