Darlene Virginia Avery, age 66, of Willard and formerly of Muskegon, Michigan, died September 12, 2008, at UNC Hospitals-Chapel Hill.

She was born March 21, 1942 in Muskegon, Michigan and was the daughter of the late Christopher Columbus "C. C." and Lois Thompson Smith. She was also predeceased by her husband, Albert Samuel Avery; son, Glenn Avery and brother, Chris Smith.

Mrs. Avery was a faithful member of Watha Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and sister who will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanna Britt of the home; son, David M. Avery and his wife, Amy of Geneva, Ohio; grandchildren, Angela Britt, Brandy Britt, Crystal Britt, Danielle Britt, Michael Bailey, John Avery Gillis, Morgan Harper and Dawn Harper; sister, Betty Sikkenga of Muskegon, Michigan; brothers, Lee Smith of Spring Lake, Michigan, Jim Smith and Charles Smith, both of Muskegon, Michigan and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday at Watha P.F.W.B. Church Parsonage.

Graveside memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at Potts Memorial Church Cemetery in Penderlea with The Reverend Gary Avery officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Watha P.F.W.B. Church, 18 N Charlotte St., Watha, NC 28478.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw, NC