Mrs. Ella Averyt DuBose

Ella Averyt DuBose, who embodied a passion for the arts, education, and community service, died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, a day after being surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 21, 1932, the first child of Edwin Franklin and Asenath Murfee Averyt, her early life in Columbia, SC, shaped her love for learning, leading her to earn a B.A. from Randolph-Macon Women’s College and a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Drew University. But it was at the old Columbia High School, at age 15, that she met her life-long partner, William Porcher DuBose, Jr., her “Billy.” For him, she was Stardust. Together they built a life filled with adventure, from their years with the Air Force to settling in Chatham, NJ, in early 1961 during a historic snowstorm with their three young children. Chatham was their home for over fifty years. Ella was a devoted patron of the arts, frequently taking the Culture Bus to New York City to explore museums, the ballet, theatre, and jazz clubs with Billy. She was actively involved with the PEO, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Altar Guild, and numerous community organizations, including the Chatham Volunteer Rescue Squad. She also worked for a local periodontist, demonstrating her wide-ranging interests and dedication to service. An accomplished athlete, she enjoyed tennis, cross-country skiing, and cycling, but her greatest joy came from her family. She was a cherished grandmother to five and great-grandmother to one, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, inspiration, and generosity. It was Ella’s intention that, by the time they turned 80, they would be living back in Columbia closer to family and friends. And so it was. The family extends special thanks to her devoted caregivers: Tyneisha, Tasha, Carol, Geraldine, Taheera, Myrthis, Keyshia, Sherry, and many others from Solutions for Living; the staff and community of Still Hopes; and to Prisma Health Hospice. Predeceased by her husband and her brother, Gayle Owen Averyt, Ella is survived by her sister, Dorothy Averyt Poston (Nelson Weston); her children, William Porcher DuBose III (Leigh), Beverley Gayle DuBose, and Dorothy DuBose Engsberg (Towson); her grandchildren, Robert DuBose Matlock (Colleen Keeney), Margaret Porcher Matlock (Josh Long), Beverley Alice Matlock (Keith England), Sarah Averyt Matlock (Oliver Gates), and William Porcher DuBose IV (Darcy Compton); and her great-grandchild, Charles DuBose England; and many cherished nieces and nephews. The family is planning a Celebration of Life in early April with a private interment at that time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local chapter of Planned Parenthood in her memory, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, empowerment, and advocacy. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Tributes

Mrs. Ella Averyt DuBose

April 21, 1932 - February 23, 2025