SUNRISE – THE FIRST BIRTH
Deacon Ronald Avery was born to the late Julia Inez Edwards and Luther Avery on October 14,1950, in Williamson, West Virginia. Ron was the third oldest of their four children: Gerald Avery, Robert Avery, and Kay Kelley. They were raised by their aunt and uncle, Virginia and Claude Hairston, who had one son, William Hairston. On Saturday, December 17, 2023, Ron departed this earthly life, after courageously walking by faith despite his various health ailments. Ron always remained hopeful, and he always trusted God.
EARTHLY JOURNEY
Ron graduated with honors from Columbus East High School in 1967. He later attended Columbus Technical Institute, and Bell & Howe Telecommunications Institute. In 1970, he received a DMS/ESS
telecommunication Specialist Certification. As a master Telecommunication Specialist, he worked at Ohio Bell for 19 years. With his expertise, he was promoted and fulfilled the responsibility of installing communication networks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In 1987, Ron was hired by United Parcel Service (UPS) as a Feeder Driver. He loved working for UPS where he drove tractor trailers over the road from state to state. Ron also loved his trucking handle which was “PeeWee.” He drove for 35 years and after retiring he said, “I miss the freedom of being out on the road and seeing God’s beautiful creation.” Ron put safety first and never had a ticket in his life. Additionally, for 15 years at UPS, he worked as a union representative for Teamsters local unions 284 and 413, advocating for his fellow workers.
On January 25, 2002, Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Deidra LaShawn Greenway. They spent 22 years together in holy matrimony. Ron was a loving, committed, and supportive husband whose warmth and love resonated inside and out. As Deidra pursued her Master of Divinity degree and implemented ministerial activities, he was incredibly supportive, understanding, and encouraging. Ronald would often write
“love letters” to Deidra. In one letter that was deeply touching, he wrote, “I will love you forever. I will always be with you in your heart.”
Ron was a dedicated member, sponsor, and supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was clean and sober for 40 years. He was enthusiastic about giving back to the AA community. Despite his health issues, he was able to counsel many who were struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. His favorite phrase was “I have had no relapses, and not one drop or thimble full of alcohol.” To this, Ron gave God all the glory for his successful sobriety.
Ron was a thoughtful and caring man, who put God and family first. He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. He gave so much of himself, not only his time, but his heart. He always challenged those around him to be the best versions of themselves and was always available to administer wise counsel and encouragement. Ron had the ability to find happiness in ordinary daily activities; he loved to watch the news. Ron will always be remembered for his quick wit, strong-will, kindness, compassion, and the baker of the best pineapple upside down cake that you would ever want to eat!! Family and friends often requested his cakes, and Ron was happy to bake a cake for them!
REBIRTH – HALLELUJAH!!
On January 5, 2014, under the leadership of Pastor Jonathan Bradford, Ron united with Bethany Baptist Church, 959 Bulen Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, and was baptized. He was later installed as a Deacon on November 19. 2017. Ron loved Bethany and all of his sisters and brothers in Christ. His Christian faith was an essential part of his life. Faithfully, Ron served on the Transportation Committee as the lead Driver, the Welcome Committee, was a member of the Deacon Board, and helped with the food giveaway. Additionally, he assisted his wife, Rev. Deidra Avery, as she conducted her responsibilities as the Bethany Baptist Chrisitan Education Director.
Furthermore, Ron was Co-founder and Senior Deacon of a ministry founded in 2002 by him and his wife, Rev. Deidra. The ministry, “God’s Unchanging Hand Christian Ministries, is a worldwide online church ministry. God’s Unchanging Hand Christian Ministries provides a positive online presence for Christ across multiple media platforms. Ron was incredibly grateful that God had directed them to this joint ministry
endeavor. On the night that he passed, he assisted with developing the ministry motto of “SHARE” which is defined as:
S- Share the love of God (Jn. 3:16; 13:34-35).
H- Honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Jn. 5: 22-23).
A- All are welcome in our community (Lk.14:16-23). R- Represent Jesus in our daily lives (Eph. 4:1-6).
E- Encourage one another (1 Th. 5:11).
At the age of 73 Deacon Ronald Avery is welcomed into the company of ancestors and family members who preceded his passing. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julia Inez Edwards Harris and Luther Avery; Virginia and Claude Hairston; uncles, Alonzo, Robert, and George Edwards; aunts Mattie Jean (Booker) Baker, Grace (Howard) Williams; and Katherine (Walter) Gray; and siblings Gerald Avery, Karen Kelley; daughter, Brooksie Christy Avery; sons, Ronald Avery Jr., and Nicholas Brown. The loving family remaining that will exceedingly miss him includes: Devoted wife, Rev. Deidra Avery, children; Craig Avery, Keisha (Corey) Malloy; Nicole (Jonathan Jr.) Miller, sibling; Robert (Julie) Avery; special cousins Bill (Marilyn) Gray and Deborah (Allen) Dukes; special friend Charlie (Erma) James and John Hall; and a host of
grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Bethany Baptist Church, 959 Bulen Ave,.
I would like to offer my condolences to the family. I met Ron for the 1st in 1995. I was 22 yrs old. He was married to Aunt Valerie. I remember he was very kind to me. I remember being at his house, watching Aunt V make chitlins in the kitchen while Uncle Ron told me about his job as a UPS truck driver. Though I met him only once, he made a lasting impression on me that I’ll always cherish. I pray he rest in peace in the Lord’s presence.
We never met Ron but know he must have been exceptionally special because he married the wonderful Diedra.
As sad as Ron’s very untimely passing is, we know that he is with the Lord and is looking over Diedra as well as all who knew and loved him.
May Ron rest in peace in the Lord’s embrace.
God bless,
Charlie & Debbie Russo
Sending my condolences and prayers for your strength. Virginia Price Booker and Family
(Deborah Baker-Dukes friend)
Sending my condolences and prayers for your strength
Although I didn’t know Ronald personally, I got to know him through the eyes of my friend, Deborah Dukes, his cousin. Deborah adored her cousin and treasured the weekly talks they shared. He was a comfort to her after the loss of her father, mother and brothers. My condolence to the entire family.
To my dearest Uncle Ron. You will be missed and I thank you for taking my calls and checking in on my journey. I wish I could have seen you one last time before you departed. To the families mentioned here and the extended family that is not, I am sorry for your loss. Uncle Ron touched and filled so many lives. Thank you for being a true man of God and loving us all.
My Condolences to the entire family and friends. I knew Ronald , i worked with him at Columbus Dispatch. He was a true caring friend. today I really lost a good friend, a big brother and a great role model . May Ron rest in peace
Deidra I am so sorry for your loss I am so glad that I was able to talk to Ron from time to time i always will love him and he always had such a happy spirit and i will miss him terribly prayers for you and your family see you soon love you
My deepest condolences to Reverend D Avery and to the family who is certainly grieving the unexpected death of my big brother who I was trulyGrateful to him and his compassion for helping people like myself I’ve known Ron and the recovery for 30 years I miss you big brother I think about you every day but you’re in a better place any help that I can give I’m available. Ron Y.
It is with a saddened heart that I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Ron. Knowing that he is in heaven makes it somewhat bearable, however. His love of Christ and his family was obvious in everything he did or said, especially his love for Deidre. I will miss him calling me by the nickname T-baby.Which he labeled me. He will always be with me. Thank you for being a great friend and example of faith,hope and love. Rest in peace Peewee.
Dear Cousin Deidra,
I am so sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of Ron. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. You and Ron shared a special bond, and your unwavering faith enriched each other’s lives greatly. It is natural to miss Ron’s physical presence, but please be assured that the Lord is right there beside you, carrying you. Ron will continue to live forever in your heart and memory. He was a good and faithful servant of God, who is now at peace and rest. You were both blessed to have each other, and I am praying that the Lord will continue to bring you His comfort and His peace in the days ahead.
I love you and if you need me, I am always available.
To Rev Deidre and family:my deepest sympathy and prayers. Meda Mason
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN F0R THEY WILL BE COMFORTED” Matthew 5:4
Dear Deidra,
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are extended to you, the entire Avery, Gary and Greenway families and friends. Ron was so special and words cannot express the sadness and shock we felt when we heard about his death. He was delightful to be with, kind, funny, and he touched many lives in the best way. As I reflect on Ron and God’s promises, I am reminded of how God’s “Love” was revealed to us. HE sent HIS only SON into the world so that we might live through Him. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, God has given us the VICTORY. Thanks be to God. Jesus said, “PEACE, I leave and give to you, and I do not give it as the world gives. He also said, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in ME, even though they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will NEVER die.”
May God’s hope-filled promises bring comfort, peace, and cherished memories to your hearts and souls during this difficult time and beyond. Ron will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Know that we are here for you.
With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Uncle Ike, Aunt Sis and Eddie
I am very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I worked with Ron at UPS and he was a huge part of my UPS life; we enjoyed each other’s company outside of work too! We spent many hours playing 2-on-2 basketball (undefeated), where PeeWee always let me be the Big Dog, despite our opposing sizes. I’ll miss you my friend, rest well until we meet again.
I met Deidra recently when she ministered to my friend and his family, leading us in prayer in a Doctors Hosptial ICU. This brief, Holy Sprit-filled encounter was a rich blessing for us all. Deidra said Ron was the love of her life. I look forward to eternal fellowship with Deacon Ronald Gene Avery in the presence of our Lord. Psalm 116:15. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
God is good. That may sound trite to some, but it is infinitely, breath-takingly, wide, deep, and personal. Peace, Kent