December 4, 1939 – April 3, 2026
Avonelle (Cantley) Neff, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away on April 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on December 4, 1939, in Brounland, West Virginia, she carried the spirit of those hills with her throughout a life lived with extraordinary grace.
Avonelle made her home in Maryland, New York, and North Carolina over the years, touching countless lives in each place she called home. Wherever she went, she was known for her gentleness, her kindness, and a quiet tenacity that never left her. She had a smile that welcomed everyone, and the rare gift of making any person — regardless of their station — feel seen and valued. She never hesitated to stand up for those who were overlooked or shunned, and she did so without fear, because her faith made her fearless.
A woman of deep Christian faith, Avonelle lived her belief not in words alone but in the way she treated every soul she encountered — with the grace and compassion her Lord commanded. Those who knew her saw that faith in action every day. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she now rests in the peace she so fully trusted.
Avonelle was a woman of remarkable self-determination. She taught herself shorthand and medical terminology, building a career that culminated in her role as a medical transcriptionist for a well-respected dermatologist at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina — a testament to her intelligence and discipline.
Some of her most treasured hours were spent outdoors alongside her beloved husband, Charles — cutting firewood, planting, walking their property, and traveling to visit family across many states. Those simple, purposeful days together were among her greatest joys. She was also devoted to her Washington District High School reunions, where the bonds of her West Virginia roots were renewed year after year.
In her final years, Avonelle spoke every single day with her double first cousin and dear friend, Christine Debord — a testament to the loyalty and love she gave and inspired in return.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Neff, and her son, James Neff.
She is survived by her daughters: Teresa Pauley, Susan Simpson, Karen Harris, Tina Cecil, and Mary Stine; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren — a family and a legacy she built with love.
Avonelle Neff did not merely pass through this world. She made it gentler.
Funeral service will be 1:00pm, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
I manage the apartment complex Ava lived at. She was a blessing to all the met her. She always had a kind word and a kind smile. She also loved laughing and enjoyed karaoke in the community room. She sang at the March karaoke. I would always tell her to be good because she was on camera. The truth of it is she was one of the sweetest kindest person I ever met. She had an attitude that everyone could learn from. She loved her jewelry and was always dressed perfectly and with such class. Ava was beautiful inside and out. She will be missed so dearly by all that lived at Cross Lanes Unity. She was our Angel and we loved her dearly. My prayers to her family.
Avonelle was a treasured friend in Christ. She loved all and showed it in the ways she treated friends and everyone she met.She and Charles were such blessings to our church, First Baptist and to the people of the Liberty, Staley Area. Thank you family for taking such good care of her after Charles passed.I will not be able to attend her funeral as Tommy can’t travel anymore, but know I will be there through heart and spirit and love. Our prayers are with the family. Love to you all. Linda McManus
Avonelle and Charles were a true gift in our families life. She was the kindest woman I have ever know but could be strong her beliefs and faith. I truly believe one of the reasons I am still here after my major cancer diagnosis nine years ago was Avonelle’s faith and prayers. She loved the Lord , Charles , her girls and all the extended family.
I got to know Avonelle a few years before Charles passed away, during the time I was serving as transitional pastor in Liberty, North Carolina, where she was a faithful member of the church. From the very beginning, it was easy to see the depth of her Christian faith, not only in what she believed, but in the gracious, gentle, and compassionate way she lived each day. She was a truly special woman, and I count it a real blessing and privilege to have known her. Dr. John Rogers
Avonelle “Ava” was my neighbor. She was such a beautiful person. Ava was always a glamorous lady. Every time I saw her she always looked like a model hair done, makeup done, beautiful clothes and that wonderful smile. We would watch movies, have lunches, have dinners in the multi-purpose room and Ava would have her daughter Tina to make that delicious Chicken Salad which we all looked forward to. Ava was always so helpful with any activity we had. I was so honored when she went to church with and we enjoyed our church lunch. I have so many wonderful memories of her especially the girls day that we had
where she had her hair done and enjoyed lunch with some of the other ladies. I Loved her so much.
I will miss her