Celebration of Life for Avis Berry Ryals, 65, of Gloucester, will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at the Church of Abraham, 4810 Hickory Fork Road, Gloucester. She will lie in repose from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church.

Avis made her transition from her earthly home to her heavenly home on July 31, 2022. Born March 6, 1957 to John C. Berry Sr. and Christine M. Berry, she was a native of Gloucester County, where she attended T.C. Walker School, Gloucester Intermediate School, Gloucester High School, and Rappahannock Community College. Avis accepted Christ at a young age and enjoyed serving in various committees and roles in her local church.

She is best known for her work in the county helping the elderly, formerly serving as a secretary in Gloucester’s NAACP branch, as a former county election officer for over 20 years, and for her position as a friendly pharmacy clerk at various drug stores in Gloucester.

Avis is survived by her husband, Ronald Ryals; daughter, Akyra Thompson (Dwight); beloved grandchildren, Aniya, Acen, Avanna, and Osiah; sister, Sherry Joyner (Loring); brothers, Curtis Berry (Denise), John C. Berry Jr. (Sharon), and Wendell Taylor, and a host of loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Rodney Berry.

Avis will always be remembered for her bright smile, sacrificial heart, deep love for gathering with family and friends, joy in singing, and her natural ability to make everyone she encountered feel loved. She will be sorely missed by her family and the entire community.

Arrangements by Howard Funeral Home, Ark.