Mary Avery
Mary Jane Avery (Andrews) - the 4th child of Harry and Mary (Bulot) Avery - died Aug. 5, 2019, in Kempner, Texas. Mary was born on Feb. 3, 1928, on the family farm near Banks, McKenzie County, N.D. Seven more children would follow Mary into the family. Mary celebrated her 90th birthday last February and said her greatest wish was to be able to join her brothers and sisters who had preceded her in death. Ethel, Vernon, Donald, Herbert, Susan, Katharine (Kathi), Elizabeth (Betty) and a twin brother and sister (who died shortly after birth) had gone before and each loss was painful for her. Mary’s sister, Carol Avery Echols, survives as do many nieces and nephews. Mary’s daughter, Karen, has three sons and they survive. Mary was able to live independently until six months ago-due in large part to the care and concern of her neighbors, Danny and Sue Hreha, who cared for her as though she was their mother.
Mary attended “country” school until 1942 when the family moved closer to Watford City where she attended Watford High School. Graduating in 1946, Mary left for Connecticut to attend college. There she met Anton (Tony) Brown and they were married. They were blessed with a cute strawberry blond girl - Karen Leslie Dorothy Brown. After Mary and Tony divorced, Mary moved back to N. D., settling in Williston where she lived and worked for several years. Eventually, Mary went to California where she did graduate work. She had a big heart and was especially interested in working with teens in crisis. Retirement took her to Copperas Cove, Texas, to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Mary remained active in her volunteer work and supported very generously her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. Mary retained beauty, a sense of humor, sharp wit and an infectious laugh.
There will be a graveside service at the Schafer Cemetery in Watford City at a later date where Mary will be laid to rest in the Avery Family Plot.
Memories would be appreciated and can be sent to wbarcranch@gmail.com