Carolyn Ann Avery, 67, passed away at her home on January 9, 2018. Born in Augusta, Georgia to Robert Louis and Ilse Funning Avery, she moved with her family to Columbia, South Carolina in 1952 and made her home there for more than 65 years.

Carol served in the United States Army for 20 years before retiring in 1990. In the years that followed, she continued her career in nursing at the South Carolina Departments of Mental Health and Corrections, eventually retiring from the state in 2012.

Passionate about animal rescue and an avid supporter of local rescue groups, Carol was also a lifelong lover of softball and of serving her neighbors. Throughout her life Carol assisted friends and fellow veterans who needed a meal, a ride, a shoulder or an ear in times of trouble.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Ilse, and her older sister, Rose Mary Avery Tien. She is survived by her siblings, Ilse Louise Avery (Larry) Snipes and John Walter (Amanda) Avery, as well as her brother-in-law, John Tien.

She will be missed dearly by her nieces and nephews: Ilse Anne Snipes (Bradley) Smith, Lawrence Monroe Avery Snipes, John Robert Avery, Savannah Ruth Avery, Michael Cory Avery and Rhett Louis Avery. She also leaves behind great-nephews and nieces, Jackson McNeal Smith, Mary Haulbrooks Smith, Chapman Collins Smith, Gabriel James Avery and Margaret Ilse Smith. Another grand-niece is due this month.

Carol will be remembered for her sense of humor, her heartfelt laugh and her fierce loyalty to people and animals alike. A private family service will be held at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to The Humane Society of Columbia at 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209 and the Humane Society of Greenwood, PO Box 49776, Greenwood, SC 29648.