Sylvia Mae Downey Averill, age 81, of 105 Wynlyne Road, Low Moor, Virginia died Friday, May 21, 2021 at her residence.

She was born September 29, 1939 in Clifton Forge, Virginia to the late Robert Watson Downey and Mary Frances Curtis Downey.

She was a cook and clerk at Averill's store, a member of Lone Star Advent Christian Church, attended Low Moor Presbyterian Church, and was a dedicated Virginia Tech fan.

She was a caretaker and friend to all throughout the Alleghany Highlands.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene "Punky" Averill; a sister, Mildred Downey; three brothers, Charles Frances Lee Downey, Robert Watson Downey, Jr, and Wayne Downey.

She is survived by two daughters, Tracy Averill of Boones Mill, Lori Noel and husband, David of Ridgeley, WV; two sons, Scotty Averill and Amanda Forbes of Covington, Greg Averill and Tina of Vinton; a sister, Judy Tidwell and husband, Marshall of Lenoir, NC; two sisters-in-law, Doris Averill and Sybil Downey, both of Clifton Forge; a brother, Earl Joseph "Mickey" Downey of Clifton Forge; six grandchildren, Samantha Averill, Daniel Unroe, Challen Averill, Grant Noel, Lorin Noel and Alana Averill; eight great grandchildren; her special companion, Guinness; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Lisa Marshall officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Pallbearers will be, Darrell Averill, Nathan Goldberg, Carlos Seibel, Challen Averill, Grant Noel and Lorin Noel.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1700 MacCorkle Ave., SE, Third Floor, Charleston, West Virginia 24314. The family would like to thank Mountain Regional Hospice for all their work, especially Shawn Wright and Amber Mullins.