Avanelle Stafford Morris

Avanelle Stafford Morris, 91, of Ophir, North Carolina, met her heavenly Father surrounded by family at home on May 18, 2020. She has been joined together again in heaven with her husband of 47 years, Clyde Morris. Avanelle was born on November 16, 1928 in Montgomery County, North Carolina to parents Brooks and Laura Stafford. She married Clyde Morris in January 1947 and together they had one daughter, Gaynelle. Avanelle adored her family and always cherished time spent with them. She worked as a beautician for over 7 decades and seeing her clients always brought her great joy. Avanelle was a member of Ophir United Methodist Church where she taught the children’s Sunday school class for over 30 years, regularly volunteered her time for church service activities, and rarely missed a Sunday sermon. Avanelle loved gardening and sharing meals from her garden with her family and friends. She grew some of the best tomatoes around. Avanelle was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Morris, her brothers William Stafford and James Stafford, and her sister Inez Morris. Avanelle will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Gaynelle Brown and her husband Dr. John Shen of New London, North Carolina; two grandchildren Terran Mackman and husband Darren, and Lauren Pettyjohn and husband Kyle of Phoenix, AZ; one great-grandchild Kylah Pettyjohn; and one special niece Phebe Corbett as well as many other extended family members. She will be greatly missed, and her memory will always be carried in our hearts. Mrs. Morris will lie in state Thursday, May 21, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Pugh Troy Funeral Home Chapel, 211 N. Main St., Troy, NC. A private family funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM at Ophir United Methodist Church, 2020 Ophir Church Rd., Troy, NC, with Rev. Bill Knapp officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ophir United Methodist Church, mailing address: OUMC, c/o Kevin Saunders, 1315 Ophir Rd., Troy, NC 27371. On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com. Pugh-Troy Funeral Home is serving the family of Avanelle Morris.