A celebration of the life of Reverend Michael Avery, funeral service, Monday, January 5, 2009, 11:00 a.m., New Zion Missionary, Baptist Church, Lancaster, South Carolina, Rev. Ricky Haile, pastor

THE MASTER CALLED
I'm sorry I had to leave you My loved ones, oh so dear. But you see the Master called me, His voice was very clear!
I had made my reservation A heaven bound ticket for one, And I knew that He would call me When He felt my work was done.
I know that your hearts are heavy, Because I have gone away. But when the Master called, I knew that I could not stay.
Yes, I'm sorry I had to leave you, My loved ones, oh so dear.
But, you see the Master called me And now I'm resting here.
Yes, I've crossed on over to glory And to you all I say,
"Just stay in the hands of Jesus And we'll meet again some day."

CASKET BEARERS Trustees of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Nephews
FLOWER BEARERS Missionaries of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Nieces
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT May God guide you on pathways pleasant
And fill you with His loving presence, If mountains rise, God strengthen you; If valleys come, God lead you through.
If you should fall, God lift you up. This is our prayer for you today
God guide your footsteps all the way.
We are sincerely grateful for all expressions of sympathy extended to us during our time of bereavement. Your kindness will be forever remembered with deep appreciation. May God richly bless each of you.
-The Family

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Drivers in the funeral procession, please turn on your headlights for safety.
- Final arrangements entrusted to *
CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME
A. Glen Crawford, Director 410 W. Meeting Street
Lancaster, South Carolina 29720 (803) 285-3261
1-800-626-7007 NC & SC

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, January 5, 2009 11:00 A.M.
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Lancaster, South Carolina
Rev. Ricky Haile, Pastor

Palm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths ofrighteousnessfor his name 's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley ofthe shadow ofdeath, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staffthey comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence ofmine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days ofmy life; and I will dwell in the house ofthe LORD for ever.

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Rev. Ricky Haile, Officiant
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL Clergy and Family
INVOCATION
HYMN
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES Old Testament New Testament
PRAYER OF COMFORT
SELECTION
POEM Kevin Avery (Son ofDecedent)
REMARKS Archie Laney Johnny Larke Lyman Clybum
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Brenda Bailey White
SOLO Latoya Brice
WORDS OF COMFORT Rev. Dr. Alvin Larke
MORTICIANS IN CHARGE
POSTLUDE
INTERMENT New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Cemetery

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Some glad morning when this life is o 'er
I'llfly away. Reverend Michael Avery humbly bowed to Ood s will and peacefully and quietly entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 1, 2009 at his home m Lancaster. A son of Florence Maris and
"1l9e4.08lai.tne ADuagnuisetla,AGveeorrygiSa.r. was bom August 18
Michael accepted Christ at an early age at Beulah Grove Baptist Church in Augusta, GA and later became a devoted member of New Zion
Missionary Baptist Church. He participated in
several organizations at the church and was called into the ministry January 1998. Rev. Avery
enjoyed the servitude and responsibilities of a dedicated church member and was Associate Pastor at New Zion.
He was educated in the Augusta County School District and graduated from Lucy Laney High School in 1966. He was employed with Springs Industry where he became a skilled printer operator and later a supervisor. After 27 years, he retired. Upon retirement, he did volunteer work including Meals-On-Wheels.
Michael was united in holy matrimony to the former Emily Dianne Stinson on August 29, 1970 He was a loving husband and devoted father to his two children.
Michael enjoyed laughing with friends, traveling, watching sports (Go Panthers!), and eahng, but his true passion was speaking about the goodness of God. His favorite saying was "I'm
Alba LT ^odge0/#81, ^Oierder of MHaesowniacs. past Master of Left to cherish loving memories are his wife
Emily Dianne Avery of Lancaster, SC; one son'
Kevin Michael Avery of Charlotte, NC; one
daughter, Latricia Michelle Avery of Rock Hill, SC; his mother, Florence Maris of Augusta, GA-
stepmother, Neet Avery of Augusta, GA; sister-inlaw, Mary Avery of Augusta, GA; three brothers,
Kenneth (Renee) Avery of Jacksonville, FL, Melvin (Tina) Avery, Andre Avery, all of Augusta; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Sylvia) Stinson, Leo (Rhodica) Harris, all of Lancaster; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel Avery Jr. and David Avery Sr and stepfather, Lee Maris.
*****
Another spirit has taken flight.