Jonnie Maude Ward Avery

Jonnie Maude Ward Avery, 91, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2012, at home with her family and close friends with her. Jonnie was born in Panama City on August 11, 1920, to John J. and Maude Ward. Except for her service during World War II and a period of time attending college, Jonnie was a lifelong resident of Panama City. She graduated from Bay High School. During World War II Jonnie was a U.S. Navy Wave and served as a gunnery instructor at Pensacola Naval Air Station. She was an eighty-one year member of First United Methodist Church of Panama City. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years at the paper mill, Florida Asphalt Paving, Jinks Lumber Co., and Fleming Bros. Machine Works. She is preceded in death by her sister Marguerite, her brother James, and her husband, love, and closest friend for 56 years, Lonie B. Avery. She is survived by her loving daughter Nancy Rowell and husband Paul, of Tallahassee; nieces Susan McQuagge, Alison Parker, Charlotte Dean, Shirley Barnes, Bobbie Jean Tate and Melba Hathaway; nephews Ricky Arnold, Terry Avery, Eddie Avery, and Greg Avery, and many loved great-nieces and nephews. She was loved and supported in her final years by dedicated and compassionate caregivers.

Jonnie had a passion for reading, learning, animals, music, travel, fishing and her family. Jonnie knew how meals unified a family and loved to gather around her kitchen table. She often asked what everyone wanted for the next meal very shortly after she finished the dishes from the last one. She took great joy in welcoming people into her home, even strangers who left as family, and those who knew Jonnie looked forward to the sparkle in her eyes when she greeted them. She was devoted to her church and served actively in a number of positions; she particularly loved her Wesley Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed simple things like a ride around town, particularly to see the breathtaking views of "her" bay from the Panama City and St. Andrews Marinas. She was known not only for her independence and strength, but also for her sweet spirit and loving nature, a mom to many. She welcomed each day with the anticipation of an adventure and with a goal of encouraging the hearts of others. This loving woman will be honored as follows:

The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home Thursday, June 14, 5:00-8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the First United Methodist Chapel of Panama City Friday, June 15 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may contribute to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Running Strong for American Indian Youth, or plant a tree or flowers at their homes in memory and honor of Jonnie Maude Avery.

Wilson Funeral Home