Nathaniel Avery

Nathaniel Avery was born May 5, 1939 to the late Bulo and Bertha Avery, the sixth of seven children; he attended Willow Tree Elementary School in Morganton. He was recognized early on as a bright student and athlete. He showed an interest in drama, starring in several plays. He loved sports and in his later years spent hours watching football, college basketball, women’s basketball and track & field events. He attended Olive Hill High School where he received a full football scholarship to Jackson State University. He was an alert game strategist and enjoyed discussing the merits of various plays with his son, grandsons and former students. Nathaniel played football at his Alma Mater Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, assisting their team in their 1961 & 1962 National Black Championship wins, serving alongside several NFL draft picks.

He was an educator (Henderson Institute, Wakefield High School and Thomas Jefferson Junior High), Football coach, Track coach and Drivers Education Instructor, serving both North Carolina and Virginia students, teaching Health and Physical Education. His Wakefield track teams won the District Championship for the years 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979. Coach Avery was selected as the Track Coach of the Year in 1978 and held the position of Sergeant at Arms for the Northern VA Coaches Association.

He retired from teaching in 2001 and enjoyed a colorful, relaxing retirement with his large, loving family. He was married three times, the first wife being the late Dorothy Baker-Avery, with whom he had five children Steven Avery, Teresa (Kevin) Morgan, Natalie (Carl) Ross, Fawn Avery and the late Dawn Avery. He was married to Beverly Avery and had two step-sons Ken & Troy Grow. He was later married to Betty J. Avery and had a step-son Terence David.

Nathaniel passed away on Saturday March 2, 2019 after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother James (Grace) Avery, his sisters, Mary Cuthbertson, Dorothy (Roosevelt) Berry and Corine (Charles) Hunter, his first wife Dorothy and his daughter Dawn. He was looking forward to meeting his first great-granddaughter in April. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving brother Herman (Frances) Avery, his sisters Mildred (the late Howard) Rankin and Kate (the late William) Ervin; his children and grandchildren Michael Avery (Danielle), Carmen Ross, Stefawn Ross (Shontel), Nadia Avery (Brandon), Olivia Avery, his great grandchildren, Dorian, Drew, and Dominick Avery and Sydney Ross, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Note from the Family: “We honor our Father, Brother, Teacher, Coach, Mentor & Friend for his public service, and for his private care and guidance. He displayed strength and courage through all his adversities, humor and mischief through all his happiness; and love and care throughout his life. He was as big a personality as we will ever have the pleasure to meet. Thank you Nathaniel for all that you brought to our lives.”

Special Thanks to his close friends, Carl Neal, Veronica Pierce, Dawn Jones and Terence Rollins.