WEEMS—Our hearts were broken when our beloved Andrew Keith Avery suddenly moved from his earthly home into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on May 30, 2024, in Williamsburg.
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather was born on August 19, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa. To his loving parents Andrew Avery and Elizabeth Johnson Avery.
Being raised in a Christian home, Andrew Keith with his siblings Elaine, Albert “Al,” Roland and Arthur were given a solid foundation in Christian and religious studies. This foundation led to his musical career and a strong work ethic. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church of Philadelphia and the Manhattan School of Aviation Trades in New York City. He also spoke seven languages fluently and would converse with anyone in their native language—in the doctor’s office, restaurants or the malls—wherever the opportunity arose.
Keith was a self-taught musician. This gift and talent helped him to serve several churches in the Northern Neck: 50 years with the Youth Choir and 43 years with Sharon Baptist Church, 10-plus years with Mount Olive Baptist Church, 10-plus years with Mount Vernon Baptist Church and 20-plus years with Calvary Baptist Church. A willing and giving person, Keith, as he was called by many, gave faithful and dedicated services in all his endeavors. His love for music knew no bounds, it extended from local bands and musical groups to the partnership he had with the late Cornell Conaway as they traveled sharing their musical gifts and talents. Wherever and whenever he would always fill in to accompany many different singing groups. Keith loved playing the piano and bass guitar.
On October 16, 2022, he was recognized by Carol Lee Ashburn of the Kilmarnock Museum, in the field of Performing Arts receiving a Gold Star which is placed on the “Wall of Stars” in the museum, later to be moved to the “Wall of Stars” in the Lancaster Elementary School. A Gold Star was placed in honor of his service.
He was drafted in the United States Army on June 7, 1965, and served with dignity and honor. His tour of duty included service overseas, at Fort Lewis, Washington, and Fort Gordon, Georgia, rising to the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged on May 7, 1967. However, he remained in the United States Army Reserve until June 6, 1971. He was employed at Newport News Shipyard (Northrop Grumman) for four decades.
On October 13, 1969, Andrew Keith and Geraldine Fisher were united in holy matrimony. They celebrated 54 years of marriage last year.
Keith was an outstanding, accommodating citizen and role model for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all family and friends. To them he was pop-pop, or “Daddy Keith.”
As a devoted family man, he leaves behind a legacy of love and integrity. Keith will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, gentle demeanor, work ethic and dedication to his family.
Whether bringing laughter to a family gathering or imparting words of wisdom, his presence brought warmth and comfort to those around him.
Blessed to celebrate his remarkable life and to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Geraldine; his devoted daughters, Sylvia Fisher and Minister Pamela White (Kenneth Sr.); and a devoted God-daughter, Dannette Davis (Carlos); his grandchildren, Sharhonda Veney (Tyrell), Shavon Newton, Kenneth White Jr., Brandon White (Trenice), Everrett T. Shorts III, JaNae Avery and Azayah Avery; nine great-grandchildren; his beloved sister, Elaine Campbell; his beloved nephew, Kenneth Campbell; and his beloved niece, Valerie Campbell Gardner; two sisters-in-law, Vivian Bea and Doris Harding, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
He was predeceased by his son, Johnathan Keith Avery; his mother and father; his brothers, Roland Forrest, Arthur Alvin Avery and Albert Clayton Avery; and a nephew, Michael Campbell.
His love for all genres of music: religious, soul, jazz, rock and classical plays on.
