WILMINGTON — Joseph Abraham “Joe” Avery, 49, passed away at 9:55 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, while in the arms of his wife and sister after a long but courageous and brave battle with cancer. He was surrounded with love from his closest friends and family during the last few weeks of his life.
Joe was born Jan. 8, 1970, in Wilmington to Jeaneth and Joseph Avery. Throughout his entire life, he was a beautiful soul with a generous heart full of unconditional love. Joe greeted everyone with a sincere smile that lit up everything and everyone around him. He loved life and persevered while remaining humble, honest and kind. He brought out the best in everyone who was blessed enough to know him.
Joe was a loving husband and dedicated father. He was the best “bandmate” to his big sister throughout their life. He was everything that you could have needed from a son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend, boss-man, co-worker and any other title that he carried. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and unapologetically with his whole heart.
Joe worked passionately to grow his business, Avery Custom Masonry, from a solid foundation. He was able to turn laying bricks and stone into true works of art. Through his dedication and servant leadership, he built a second family within the construction business. He had high standards for himself and was a true man of integrity. Joe was and will always be all of the things that we strive to be. While his time on earth was short, he will live within us and through the love that he gave and many lives that he changed.
Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elizabeth Lea Avery (Kenneth Blizzard) and John Paul Avery of Wilmington and Abraham and Amada Kattan of San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
He is survived by his mother, Jeaneth Kattan Rivenbark (Paul, deceased); father, Joseph Ramon Avery; wife and soulmate, Laura Hope Avery; daughters, Mindy Dawn (Jordan), Brianna Lanee, Alyssa Marie, Vanessa Starr and Julia Grace; grandchildren, Elijah, Levi, Natalie and Kaison; sister, Maria Avery Casey (Thurman); niece, Elizabeth (Brittany); mother-in-law, Debbie Swartz (Lou); sister-in-law, Brittany Addison (Evan); niece and nephew, Brayden and Ella; many other in-laws as well as nieces and nephews; “brother” and lifelong friend, Jay Willoughby (Sharon); most faithful companion and fur-son, Jedi; fur-grandpups, Dobby and Rufus; many cousins, aunts, uncles and beloved friends; and dedicated masonry crew members and extended family of Avery Custom Masonry.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial and celebration of life gathering at 3:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, at Farm 53, 7851 Highway 53 East, Burgaw.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
