Ilee Avery was born on June 15, 1923 to the lafte Oscar and Lessie Lyle Pryor in Farmville, Virginia. She was the fifth of six children 4girls & 2 boys, all of whom have preceded her in death. She attended school in Farmville, Virginia. She often talked about the little 2-room school house where elementary students were in one section and higher grades were in another section. at age 18, she migrated to Baltimore to seek work in "the big city". Following in the footsteps of her older siblings, at the age of 18, Ilee migrated to Baltimore to seek work in the "Big City". After spending one week in the big city, instead of finding a job, Ilee found the man of her dreams, William Joseph Avery. Joe was such a good provider, that Ilee only worked to obtin her special pleasures. It was a known fact that she was the first in hr neighborhood to have all of the latest gadget. In 1943, Ilee married William Joseph Avery of Charlotte, N.C. She gave birth to their first child, Joseph Alphonso, who died in infancy. Eight years later, God blessed Ilee with her first daughter, Patricia. She was then blessded again with her sdecond daghter, Lessie. Ilee prided herself on motherhood and housekeeping. The both fulfilled her! Whe her girls were grown her nest was empty, the call of motherhood led her to adopt four girls and a boy. Oftentimes Ilee gather the family together to share love and family unity. This tradition is still followed by her girls today. Ilee enjoyed working with the Baynard Circle of of Shiloh Christian Community Church where she was a faithful member for over 50 years. She found comfort and consolation in attending Shiloh as well as assisting in the food ministries. She was a true Christian who loved working for the Lord and was more than willing to participate in any activity that was asked of her. Known as Mrs. Avery to her neighborhood, Ilee was loved and respected by all. In fact, she was a mother and a cook for many. She was eager to share a kind word or timely advice to a listening ear. Ilee will be truly missed. The memory of dIlee Avery will live forever in the hearts and minds of; her daughters; Patricia Wooten, Lessie Bennett, Yolanda Adams, Paula Laws, Tina Dorsey and Angela Gibbs; one son; Leroy Dorsey; two neighborhood daughters; Deloris Williams and Vernell James; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maggie Webb and Mildred Lee, Farmville, Virginia; one aunt, Jeanette Bruce, Bronx, New York; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.