Avis Chikwanha

On December 3, Avis Foromina Chikwanha, our matriarch, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (Gogo), and friend to many, passed on from this life into the loving arms of her Lord and savior. She was 86. Avis was born on November 5, 1936 in Konde,Gomo Remuchinjiko in Mutare, Zimbabwe. She was preceded in death by her parents; Muudziswa Annie and Aaron Phiri, sister Ivy Ndarakwa; and husband Everson Hamamiti Chikwanha. Avis went to primary school in Sakubva, a township in the city of Mutare, Zimbabwe. She then went on to Goromonzi High School and completed her teacher training course at Morgenster College. After her training, she taught at Sakubva and Hartzell primary schools. She was active in the Young Women's Christian Association. She Left Hartzell to work for the Christian Council of Zimbabwe in Harare. She then went on to serve with the United Methodist Church as the Women's Work Coordinator where she worked to uplift and empower women. At the age of 53, Avis came to the United States and attended Bennett College through a scholarship from the United Methodist Church's Board of Global Ministries. She received a Bachelor of Social Work degree and upon graduation she worked for the Baptist's Children's Homes of North Carolina and became a beloved house parent and co-worker to many during her time at Mills Home and other group homes in the Triad area. Avis' heart's desire was caring for people. She loved people and did everything she could to help others. Upon meeting her, you could feel her radiating warmth, love and joy. Regardless of whether or not you were a blood relative, she welcomed all as family. She loved prayer and always reminded those around her to not forget to give thanks to their heavenly father. She enjoyed reading, listening to world news, taking mile long walks daily (and making her grand and great-grandchildren go with her). She loved salads, working on crossword puzzles to "keep her mind sharp" and could always be found cracking a joke and attempting (and succeeding) in making whoever she was around laugh. She had an amazing personality and sense of humor. She was also a wonderful and thoughtful encourager. She was very loved and although we know she is rejoicing in heaven with the most-high, her absence leaves a big void in the lives of those who were known and loved by her. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, Davie, Annie, Gwen, Hama (Hilda), and May; grandchildren Farai, Tafadzwa (Christine), Danai, Avis (Kyle), Chashe (Sam), Junior, Tafara, Tinotenda, Tapiwa, Tendai (Melody), Takudzwa; great-grandchildren Mckenzie, Reece, Blake, Sophie, Xavier, and Bryce; sisters Mai Chaeruka and Mai Mafara; the Chatora family and many more loved ones. Her service is scheduled for 12:30 pm, EST, on Friday, December 9 at Lori's Funeral Home. The visitation will be from 11:30-12:30 in the chapel. Live stream: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81629010338?pwd=d2taYnljenE3SUU2aFRJVHJTajhqZz09 Meeting ID: 816 2901 0338 Passcode: 239076 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kfIGO7hil Previous Events Visitation DEC 9. 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (ET) Lori's Funeral Home& Cremation Services - Raleigh 2720 S. Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 832-0636 lorifuneralhome@gmail.com http://www.lorisfuneralhome.com Service DEC 9. 12:30 PM (ET) Lori's Funeral Home Chapel 1014 Garner Road Raleigh , NC 27601 Graveside DEC 9. 2:30 PM (ET) Raleigh Memorial Park 7501 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27612