Beverly “Bev” Jean (Steele) Avery, age 84, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died at the MyMichigan Health Center in Sault Ste. Marie on January 9, 2024. She was born on June 8, 1939, in Sault Ste. Marie to William James Steele and Mary “Louise” (Bourguigond) Lawrence.
Bev grew up in Bruce Township, Michigan, and graduated from Sault High School with the Class of 1957. She married her high school sweetheart, Carl James Avery, on October 17, 1959, and they settled in Bruce Township, where they started their family. A few years later, they started a beef farm which they went on to run for more than twenty years. Bev raised and bred Arabian horses and her and Carl also showed cattle at the Michigan State Fair. In 2000, they retired from selling their cattle and in 2004 they began traveling to Florida in the winters, and unfortunately were unable to visit this year.
Bev and Carl were both members of the Gideons International Group. Bev taught a class for the 4-H Sewing Group for several years, the Homemakers Association in Bruce Township, and a member of Rosedale Community Church, as well as its missionary group and choir.
Bev loved creating beauty all around her. She enjoyed painting, sewing, and reading anything and everything. She had a profound love of gardening and would plant flowers all around the house. Above all else, she loved spending time with her family.
Bev is survived by her husband, Carl; daughters, Susan Ann (Eric) Ayers of Bruce Township, and Carla Jean (John) Cryderman of Dafter, Michigan; grandchildren, Holly Sibbald, John (Kim) Sibbald, Justin Sibbald, Lacee Cryderman, Tanner Berlek, and Christopher (Delynn) Avery; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Emma, Noah, John, Jacob, Joshua, Acelynn, Jaycee, and Ryan; brother, James Steele of Barbeau, Michigan; sisters, Lavon (Gordon) Goeschel of Bruce Township, and Janet Crisp of Bruce Township; brothers-in-law, James Lawyer of Pennsylvania, and Bernard LaJoie of Barbeau
Bev was preceded in death by her parents, William and Louise; daughter, Janice Avery; sister, Audrey Lawyer; brother, Richard Steele; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Steele, and Ruth LaJoie; and brothers-in-law, William (Joy) Avery, and Russell Avery.
Memorial Contributions can be made out to The Gideons International, Attn: Isaac James P.O. Box 1122 Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, or the Rosedale Community Church, 1969 E. 9 Mile Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM.
Final Resting Place will be at the Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.csmulder.com.
