Thora Avery Wilcox, age 91 and a lifelong resident of Waterford, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Born November 25, 1918 in Waterford, she was a daughter of the late Alva and Myrtie Dorman Avery. She married Amos S. Wilcox on November 8, 1945 and he preceded her in death on December 25, 1991.
Thora was a homemaker who was devoted to her family and counted as her greatest blessings her relationship with God, her family of four children, 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She had been a member of the Juva Baptist Church, but at its close became a member of the Waterford Baptist Church where for many years she served in various ways including Sunday School teacher and president of the Ladies Missionary Society. Thora was a skilled seamstress and quilter and enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, baking and cake decorating.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Ronald Avery, and two sisters, Margaret Avery Mayhue and Elizabeth Avery Johnson.
Surviving family members include her children, Kenneth Wilcox and his wife Tillie of Erie, Irene Wilcox Boyd of Chiefland, FL, Joyce Taylor and her husband Pastor Jeff of Caton, NY, and Lloyd Wilcox and his wife Theresa of Beckville, TX; and her 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home of Waterford on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Jim Galvin of the Waterford Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thora Wilcox Memorial Fund at the Waterford Baptist Church.