Avery Ann Neill

Avery Ann Neill

Avery Ann Neill, age 5, went to be with Jesus on May 13, 2018 at home surrounded by family. Avery was born June 2, 2012, nine weeks early, weighing 2 lbs 9 oz, and was a fighter from the beginning. Her early years were filled with joy and laughter; a light in all of our lives. Since December 2017, she had fought a brave battle with DIPG, an aggressive brain stem tumor that slowly stole her mobility but never stole her ability to bring a smile to our faces. Avery was feisty, nurturing, loved Jesus and being with her church family. She loved to play pretend and silly games with her best friend, twin sister Rebekah. She also enjoyed playing dress up and being a mommy to her baby dolls and “stuffed up” animals, and often said she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. She loved to color, sing, do puzzles, and was most comforted by snuggles from those she loved. She went straight from her mother’s arms into the loving arms of Jesus.

Avery is survived by her parents, Andy and Emily Neill, her twin sister, Rebekah, and little brother James, age 3; paternal grandparents, Rob and Barbara Neill of Raleigh, NC; maternal grandparents, Donald Willett and Mary Murphy of Raleigh, NC; maternal great-grandmother, Mary Clagett of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who all loved her dearly.

Services will be held Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:30pm at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614. The family will receive guests following the service until 5:30pm. In celebration of Avery’s favorite color, purple, please consider wearing purple or your Bravery for Avery shirt. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made in Avery’s name to the Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation in order to further research to find a cure for DIPG or to Transitions Kids. #braveryforavery.