Almighty God, who is The Alpha and The Omega, has transferred His own Mrs. Geneva Corpening Avery from earth to eternity. She departed this life on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at her home on Hwy. 126 in the Lake James “Huntertown” Community, so named from her late grandfather “Papa Rob” Hunter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James and her dear son Maurice, as well as nephew Preston Ervin and brothers James and L.C. Corpening.
Geneva was born May 12, 1947 to the late Lander and Hattie Mae Hunter Corpening. Having attended Burke County Schools, she graduated from Olive Hill High School as a member of the esteemed 1965 final graduating Class. She was a member of the famous Olive Hill Glee Club, and was a standout among her peers for her typing and secretarial skills. After graduation, she matriculated at Bennett College.
Geneva married the love of her life James “Slick” Avery in 1967, after their friendship grew into a lifelong romance. Gen and Slick were known for their humor and their hospitality, and they loved to be surrounded by family and friends. It was always a joy to see them dancing together, especially to the O’Jays song “You Got Your Hooks In Me!”
Geneva was involved in all aspects of the community around her, and was always a strong advocate for young people. She initiated a 4H Club when Ressie and Chere were young that was known as “the Lakers.” She was a member of the Pride of the West Order of the Eastern Stars No.581, The Blue Ridge Elks Lodge, the Lake James Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, and the Lake James Community Center. She was known as an excellent event planner and organizer, especially for many area family reunions. She was employed at Western Carolina Center/JIRDC for more than 30 years, where she took loving care of all her residents.
As was her Mother and Grandfather before her, Geneva was a life-long member of Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she demonstrated her faith in her good works by serving as a Missionary, on Stewardess Board II, the Usher Board, the Gospel Choir, and as the long time Class Leader of the Young People’s Class and leader of the YPD.
Left to rejoice in Geneva’s legacy of love is her cherished only daughter and best friend Chere Evonne Avery, who was by her side at the end; sisters Carol Jean Corpening Ervin (Waddell), and Estelle Corpening; sisters-in-law Mary Lynette Corpening, Rosa A. Rutherford, Anna A. Davenport, Mary Alice A. Francis, Fannie A. Ervin, Vanessa A. Johnson, Deborah Avery, and Melody Avery; nephews DeMon Ervin, LaShon Corpening, Michael “Chip” Lewis, and B.J. Jackson; niece Miranda Jackson; darling great-niece Bria Marie Corpening; aunt Rev. Anne Belle Corpening; Godmother Ms. Jessie Martin; special neighbor and life-long friend Evangelist Diane Martin Ervin; Maurice’s friends Kelvin Taylor, Marcus Board, Darrell Byrd and family; along with a great multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends, Godchildren, and classmates.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Funeral Services for Geneva Corpening Avery will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the start of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Shiloh AME Church Cemetery. Rev. Wayne Johnson, Sr., Officiating.
Services for Geneva Corpening Avery will be live streamed on Kirksey Funeral Home and Cremation Service Facebook page.
The Avery Family has entrusted Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton with arrangements.
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