Avery accomplished much in his short life. He was an expert on dinosaurs and was able to identify and correctly pronounce names that stymied the adults in his life. He was always patient when correcting us. The courage and bravery Avery showed during his 15 month battle with Wilm’s Tumor was a testimony to both his physical and mental strength. It was nothing short of a privilege to watch him fight mightily against such a cruel disease. He won many battles along the way, but in the end, the cancer was victorious over his physical body. What the cancer was unable to do was take away his smile, his sense of humor, and his love for his family. Avery is gone in body, but his tremendously brave spirit remains and will watch over his family forever. Although we are profoundly stricken by his death, we all remain grateful for the time we had with such an incredible and loving child.
Avery leaves behind his loving parents, Shannon Nelson Smithies and Silas Smithies, and his brother Foster (6). He is survived by his grandparents, Randy and Kristi Nelson, Diane Smithies and Marijo Mencini. Avery also leaves behind many aunts and uncles. He was particularly close to his Aunt Nicole and Uncle Glen, cousins Connor, Cameron and Kensie as well as his Aunt Laura.
Special thanks to Dr. Hipps and Randall Wink (FNP-C) of the UNC Pediatric Hematology Department and all the loving people at the UNC Children’s hospital who took such good care of the family over the past 15 months.
Funeral Services will take place at the McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel (Clayton) at 2pm on Saturday, June 23. Visitation to follow.
Donations in Avery’s memory may be made to Meg’s Smile Foundation.
www.megsmile.org
