Charles Avery's Obituary
Charles Avery was born on February 20, 1950 in Chambers County, Alabama to Joe Nathan Sr. and Mattie Mae Avery.
He passed away unexpectantly of a heart attack on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the age of 71.
Charles was a devoted SGI member for 33 years and held leadership positions as a Lakeview District Leader and a Lakewood Chapter Leader for many years.
Charles had a passion for studying and taking care of members. He loved reading the Gosho (The writings of Nichiren Daishonin) and Ikeda Sensei's Guidance and SGI publications. Charles always supported his district and the SGI organization. He would open up the Tacoma Buddhist Center 6 days a week, every morning at 5 am for members to come and chant before they went to work, school or just wanted to chant with others. He continued to do this (from 2003) until the Center closed because of the Covid Virus in early 2020.
Charles had many passions…he was a great cook and loved cooking for his family and friends, especially his annual Thanksgiving Dinner…he was especially known for his BBQ ribs, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and sweet potato pie. He loved Down Home Blues and playing Dominoes, Spades and Bid Whist. He was a consummate sports fan and loved watching his Pittsburg Steelers and Alabama’s Crimson Tide play football. When his teams scored touchdowns, you would always hear him exclaim, “Roll Tide”! He loved watching old TV rerun shows, like Monk, Matlock, the Big Bang Theory, and many game shows.
He attained a Master’s Degree in Psychology (Guidance and Counseling) while in the military and was a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Q-Dogs). He served in the USAF (from 1972-1986), attaining the rank of Captain. He was stationed in San Vito, Italy and Weisbaden, Germany and traveled to McChord AF Base where he was discharged in 1986. It was in Tacoma, Washington where he was destined to meet the love of his life, Bernice on his birthday, February 20, 1988. She immediately introduced him to Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and he became a member, receiving his Gohonzon on June 26, 1988. Together they spent the next 33 years working for the happiness of others. From the time he first heard Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, he never stopped practicing until he drew his last breath. He was her true Kosen Rufu partner in life!
Charles loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments, big and small. He was a great father, always patient and offering his words of wisdom with his children and others. He was a very loving and thoughtful person with a huge, generous heart. He was known for showing others how much they meant to him by always remembering their birthdays, anniversaries and/or special occasions. He had a gift of making others feel special with his carefully handpicked cards or text messages he sent that expressed his sentiments.
Charles loved being an SGI Buddhist and working for the happiness of others. He loved chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo so much that he even chanted in his sleep. He never missed doing his morning and evening prayers even when he wasn’t feeling well. He always received encouragement from reading the guidances from his mentor in life, Daisaku Ikeda! His two favorite Goshos were, Winter always turns to Spring and Gosho passage, “Believe in this Mandala with your whole heart, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is like the Roar of a Lion, what sickness is therefore an obstacle?”
Although he had several health challenges over the years, he never complained, no matter what he was experiencing…he didn’t want others to worry, so he would just chant until he felt better. Charles lived his life every day, with the principle of “Faith Equals Daily Life” and embodying a Never Give Up Spirit, no matter what while he challenged obstacle after obstacle, showing actual proof of this practice!
Charles Avery may be gone from this life, but he will never be forgotten in our hearts!
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Bernice Griffin, his 7 Precious children: Daughters, Aundreia Avery, Stacie (Leonard) Evans, Monique (Brian) Patterson, and Tiffany (Rodney) Patterson; Sons, Christopher Avery, Craig (Colleen) Cooper, and Aaron Cooper.
His 37 Amazing Grandchildren: Aundreia (Terrance) McClain, Aaron Evans, Alyceia Evans, Ashton Evans, Christian Wilson, Mia Wilson, David Avery, Bishop Neal, Tatiana Neal, Willow Glenn, Pheoby Smith, Malik Patterson, Elise Patterson, Bryson Patterson, Xzaiver Patterson, Tyirell Patterson, Brooklyn Neal, Shyanne Neal, Brenden Neal, Michael Black, Brian Neal Jr. Blessed Neal, Breaundria Neal, Cenovia McNeil, Breshaun Neal, Keisha O’Brien, Caiya (Davin) Moriarty, Kenndelle Cooper, Craig Cooper Jr., Keira Cooper, Camden Cooper, Haley Cooper, Thomas Cooper, Janel Cooper, Erin Cooper, Teresa Cooper, and Devon Cooper.
His 14 Outstanding Great Grandchildren: Olivia McClain, David Avery, Nova Patterson, Halle Moriarty, Violet Moriarty, Paitlynn O’Brien, Kaiden O’Brien, Rashaud Black, Nevaeh Black, Ozhias Neal, Langston Neal, Naji Neal, Nazir Neal, Armani McNeil, and Milani McNeil.
3 Loving Siblings: 1 Sister, Shirley Bradshaw; 2 Brothers; Doug (Dorothy) Avery, and Gregory (Jackie) Avery.
And a host of Nieces, Nephews extended family members and friends, both near and far. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Nathan Sr. and Mattie Mae Avery, his brothers, Joe Nathan Avery Jr., Alvin Avery and Richard Avery.
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