Louise Hinnant Averill, 87, went to be with the Lord on December 17, 2020 at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, VA. Louise was born and grew up in Durham, NC. She was a graduate of Durham High School in the famous class of 1952. She graduated from Woman's College – UNC Greensboro with a degree in mathematics and did computer programming on mainframe computers at General Electric – Schenectady before her marriage in 1956. She has lived with her family in Newport News for many years.
Louise devoted her married life to her family and often said that she did not want her children to come home from school to a cold, empty house as she had. She was challenged for many years by a child with complications of a serious birth defect but always said that it was such a blessing to see the Lord's work in the situation; this increased her faith and belief in the wisdom of God's choice in life.
Louise is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert Averill; by her daughter, Carol Averill [Frank Lorino]; and two grandchildren, Andrew Lorino and Mattie Lorino. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Bryant and Irene Hinnant; by her brother, John Hinnant, and by two sons, Brett Lee Averill and Alan Denton Averill.
Louise lived a Christian life and had a close personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She accepted her salvation at an early age and this was confirmed at an early Billy Graham rally. She was active in several churches in teaching and prayer ministries and continued to grow closer to the Lord through life through Bible study and personal devotion. She devoted much time in recent years to her special ministry as a church librarian. She was very conscientious in selecting materials that would bless her visitors and she also ministered to their special needs through personal counsel and prayer.
Louise also had a great interest in prayer for and the support of missions work locally and around the world. She served on a church mission's council and supported mission's celebrations for many years. Memorial gifts in her honor may be given to the world wide work of South East Asia Crusades: SEA Crusades, 304 Marsh View Court, Carrollton, VA, 23314.
A joint service for both Louise Averill and her son Alan Averill will be held on Saturday, January 9th, at New Covenant Church, Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA. To assist in following Covid-19 safety guidelines, the church has requested that you reserve seats if you plan to attend the service; face masks must also be worn throughout the service. To reserve seats for the service, call or e-mail the church by January 7th: 757-838-8700 or info@ncchampton.org. Information on Zoom coverage of the service may also be available for those unable to attend.
Interment will be at a later date at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, NC.
W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Newport News is assisting with arrangements.