Alpha Black Via (Granny) Averill, age 109, of The Brian Center, Low Moor, Virginia died Monday, February 15, 2016 at The Brian Center.

Mrs. Averill was born January 30, 1907 in Low Moor to the late James and Effie Fridley Via.

She enjoyed a long, rich life as a resident of the Low Moor area, and was devoted to the Low Moor Presbyterian Church, where she played the organ and piano faithfully for over sixty years.

She was the much loved owner/operator of Averill's Store, retiring after sixty-five years and will be long remembered by the many patrons she served faithfully.

She was good to her community in many ways, including being an original donor to the YMCA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Anderson Averill in 1974; a son, William James "Billy" Averill; three sisters, Agnes, Alma and Alice; and four brothers, Guy, Harry, Jamie and Billy. Mrs. Averill is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Gene Allen "Punky" and Sylvia D. Averill, and Wayne Eben and Doris K. Averill, all of Low Moor; a daughter-in-law, Doris C. Averill of Low Moor; nine grandchildren, Lori Noel, Greg Averill, Tracy Averill, Scotty Averill, Michael Averill, Darrell Averill, Karen Parker, Terry Averill and Gina Hoover; ten great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Lisa Marshall and Reverend W. Pembroke Hall officiating.

Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor.

Mrs. Averill's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Low Moor Presbyterian Church, 204 Old Church Road, Low Moor, VA 24457.