Obituaries

Avery D. Wilson, Sr., 40

February 28, 2015

Avery D. Wilson, Sr., 40, of Lancaster Township, died on February 28, 2015 at his home. Born on April 9, 1974 in Harrisburg, Pa. He was the husband of the late Yarra Wilson, who preceded him in death. Avery was an assistant principal at Solanco High School, Lancaster, Pa. He also worked previously as a Spanish teacher at The Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pa.; J.P. McCaskey High School, Lancaster, Pa.; and Susquehanna Township High School, Susquehanna Township, Pa. He was also a professional barber.
Avery graduated from The Mercersburg Academy in 1992, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Millersville University in 1996, and earned two master’s degrees in teaching and leadership from the University of Phoenix.
While at The Mercersburg Academy, he played football and basketball and ran track. Also, he sang in the chorus where he distinguished himself by being selected to Octet, a chorus of the elite eight male singers. He later continued playing basketball and football and singing as hobbies.
Avery is survived by sons Avery D. Wilson, Jr. and Christian Simmons, both of Lancaster; three daughters Asia Burgess, Alondra Wilson and Ava Wilson all of Lancaster; his parents, mother Deborah Wilson Gadsden and stepfather Nathan Lee Gadsden, both of Mount Joy, Pa.; four brothers, Eric Wilson, husband of Kimberly, of Harrisburg, Pa., Kris Wilson of California, Nathan Daniels of Mechanicsburg, Pa. and Dale E. Dean, Jr., of Harrisburg, Pa.; two sisters, Tiayna Bradford and Crystal Giles; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Dale E. Dean.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, Pa. from 9-11 am followed by Home Going Services at 11 am with Rev. Louis A. Butcher, Jr. and Rev. Nathaniel Gadsden, Jr. officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions can be made to a trust fund set up for the children of Avery and Yarra Wilson. You can make your contributions online at https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/wilson-and-simmons-trust-fund–2

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Condolences to the Family

October 24, 2015

I’m just hearing of this and I am so confuse and hurt. Avery helped me get a job at Mercersburg Academy and he was the kindest soul ever. We went to grad school in Costa Rica together. I remember when we left. We kept in touch and he told me about how happy he was to get married and settle down and how awesome life was. I remember his little boy AJ. To both families and all who knew them my thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Natasha Stevens
Los Angeles, CA 

March 11, 2015

Cliff and I would like to extend our sympathies to the family of Avery Wilson, Sr. We knew Avery from his early days as a student at Mercersburg Academy when he roomed with our son Chip. We shared rides home on vacations and knew him as a quiet, polite young man.
Linda and Cliff Nuttall

March 11, 2015

My condolences to Avery’s children and family. Avery was a classmate of mine at Mercersburg Academy and I will always remember his smiling face and fantastic singing voice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his children and family. Fondly, Jen Friedman

March 11, 2015

May God wrap you in his loving arms and help you through this time.
C. Adams

March 11, 2015

Iam so sadden that Mr Wilson is gone he was a good Spanish teacher and and a good friend R.I.P Mr Wilson .

March 11, 2015

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Troy and Robyn Rissinger

March 11, 2015

I knew Avery to be a good man and a dedicated educator. He was my friend, and I will miss him. Prayers and condolences for the family, friends, and the lives he touched. May God rest your soul, Avery.

March 10, 2015

We are thinking and praying for you and your family during this most difficult time, as well as praying for peace. Your friends from Friendlys, Emmy and Gerry.

March 10, 2015

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Wilson family. Avery and I were roommates at The Mercersburg Academy for three years. We also sang in the Octet together. I have a lot of great memories. God Bless, Ben Petty

March 10, 2015

I knew you for only a short time but you were an inspiration. May you find peace my friend. 

March 09, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilson family, I only new Avery for about 3 months,but in that time he became like family to us.  He came to Solanco with open arms and learned quickly it was all about the kids, he was wonderful with the students and staff.  We were really become a great fit.  May your family find peace in our Lord and Savior! You will be missed Avery!!!  
God Bless,
 Sandy Glackin
Solanco Secretary

March 09, 2015

Deborah and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers for your loses.
Charles P. Sabulski, PDE

March 09, 2015

My deepest condolences to the Wilson family, your in our thoughts and prayers.   As you grieve know that there are a multitude of friends and family that are with you praying, and grieving for your loss.   I would drop by Sharper Image from time to time to visit with my son that worked there.   Every Christmas season I would go in and ask my son, is Avery here?   He would yell out, Avery my mother is here to see you.   I would walk to the other side of the shop where Avery worked and give him a Christmas gift.   He will be missed but never forgotten.   
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me  (Phillipians 4:13)
Nelson and Aida Pagan 
              

March 09, 2015

My thought and prayers are with your family through this terrible loss. I had the privilege to work next to Avery for over 10 years and have shared many wonderful memories together. Words can’t express the pain that your going through, this has affected many people including myself, but all I can say let’s keep the good memories going. Avery was the Go to guy for any situation and always knew what to say to help anyone out. He has inspired and helped so many kids even adults through out his life. I pray The Lord gives your family and the children Peace, comfort, and strength during this time. 
God bless
Jennie

March 09, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Wilson Family. A word of comfort in your time of sorrow. 
) Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; John 11:25
 

March 09, 2015

Keeping you and your family in prayers. May God give you all strength towards healing.
 Adrena Carter

March 08, 2015

It is with deep felt prayers to the children,  parents, siblings,  extended family members and friends. May each of you find peace and some understanding through through this extremely difficult time.  Truly,  there are no winners here and no judgment passed passed by this community member and aunt of a Solanco HS student.  Do take good care of each of yourselves. Surround yourselves with people who will love on you and listen to you. You,  too,  need support! 
Praying for strength, answers,  and healing, 
Karen
Lancaster

March 08, 2015

I send my Condolences to your entire family.  And I will continuously keep you in prayer. GOD bless.  Delores Gonzalez

March 08, 2015

To the Wilson Family:
May God continue to comfort you during this difficult time and days ahead. Always talk to him for help because he is just a prayer away.
James and Regene Cornelius of Harrisburg, PA
 
 

Visitation
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Bright Side Baptist Church
515 Hershey Ave.
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
11:00 AM
Bright Side Baptist Church
515 Hershey Ave.
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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