obit. #1 AVERY, Sophronia Caroline WILLIAMS - 1826 - 1917
Sophronia Caroline Avery, daughter of John W. & Nancy A. Williams, was born December 8, 1826 and came to Missouri from Kentucky in about 1835 or 1836 when she was nine years old. Her parents settled on the head waters of west Tebo, Henry County. She was married to William L. Avery January 17, 1843. To them nine children were born, Nancy Elizabeth Finks, Leonora Amelia Coppage, Charles Edward, Robert Walter (dead), Idora Florence Marr (dead), Mary Henrietta Marr, Lillian Marr and John Henry. Most of her life was spent on the old Judge Avery farm till about 1885 she went with her youngest son John H. Avery to Clinton, where they made their home until 1891, when they went to Colorado Springs, where they remained most of the time till her death May 6, 1917. A few days before her death she contracted terminal senile pneumonia from which she died. She was a member of the Sardis Primitive Baptist church, having joined about 1867. Funeral services were held at the residence of her son John by Rev. Garvin of the Presbyterian church after which the body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Colorado Springs.

obit #2: Mrs. Suphronia Caroline Avery died at the house of her son, Harry Avery, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where she had made her home many years, Sunday morning, after only a few days illness with pneumonia. Deceased was born in Simpson county, KY., Dec. 8, 1826, being in her 91st year. Her maiden name was Williams. She came to Missouri with her parents when about ten years old. She married William Lane Avery, who was judge in the county for many years, Jan. 17, 1845. To this union nine children were given. Those who survive are: Harry Avery, Colorado Springs, Colo.: Ed Avery and Mrs. Fisher Finks, west of Calhoun; Mrs. Molly Marr, of Springfield, and Mrs. May Marr, of Joplin, besides a large connection of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom reside in this county. Her husband died March 2, 1875, and is buried in the Avery burying ground near Sardis, in the north part of Henry county, where his father first settled after coming to this state and his happy childhood days were spent. Mrs. Avery was a member of the Sardis Primitive Baptist church of this county. She was hospitable and kind and raised good children. Her son, Ed Avery, left Sunday for Colorado Springs for the funeral. When the message came of her death a family reunion dinner was being held at his house, so all could be with his sister, Mrs. Mollie Marr, who is on her way from Colorado Springs to Springfield to make her home. Among those present were: Harry Finks and family, of Clinton; Walter Finks and Fisher Finks, Chas. Jones, Pleas Avery, Russell Chipman, Mrs. Bob Avery and their families and others. The day of rejoicing turned into one of sorrow.