WILLIAMSBURG — Betty Neal Avery, 88, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at her home. She was born June 18, 1932, in the town of Maine, New York, to Florence Alta Fogle Payne and Curtis Alton Payne.
Betty grew up across the street from her husband to be and spent her days growing up amongst farmland and helping to grow vegetables for the family and learning to bake many types of pies from her mother.
Betty Payne Avery was married in 1951 to Maurice Clyde Avery as her new husband was entering military service, and they were happily married for 70 glorious years. After moving many times throughout their military career and seven children later, Betty was the quintessential homemaker and backbone of the family.
After all her children had grown to a self-sufficient age, Betty worked as a cafeteria manager, for which her family of seven prepared her well for. Later, she worked for the U.S. Navy in a civil service position rising to become a U.S. Navy admiral’s executive secretary in Washington, D.C. After retiring from civil service, Betty made her new home in Williamsburg.
Betty is survived by her seven children, Mark, Debbie Doyal, Chris, Judy Allen, Paul, James and Timothy; sister, Alta Curtis Payne; along with 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Betty’s greatest legacy was her devotion and love for her husband and children. She will be sorely missed, but her goodness will be felt for generations to come.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg. Services will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. in Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Drive, Williamsburg.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
