Obituary of Mildred Sue Avin

Mildred Sue Charles Avin, passed away peacefully at her home on January 8, 2025. Born in Athens Tennessee on September 15, 1941, Mildred was the daughter of the late James Robert Charles and Ollie Callie Mae Quarles Charles, and the adored wife of Charles E. “Buddy” Avin. Midred was an alumni of the 2nd graduating class of Furman High School in Sumter, SC in 1959. Mildred began her career in the medical field with Dr. S. Perry Davis in Pinewood and retired from Dr. Allan P. Bruner in Sumter. During her tenure in the medical world, Mildred’s compassionate and caring nature endeared her to patients and their families. Mildred was a southern belle to the core, most notably as a pillar of her community and leader for decades in her church. Starting as nursery worker at Pinewood Baptist Church, she went on to serve as Girls in Action (GA) leader, a teacher of the 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School Class, Chair of the Hostess Committee, Co-Chair with her husband of the Young at Hearts, a member of the Stewardship Committee, and recognized in 2012 as the Outstanding Senior Adult for her dedicated service. She is survived by her husband of 64 years; daughters, Julie Ann Avin and husband R. Stephen Von Hollen of Columbia, SC and Sally Turner of Elgin, SC; son, Michael Avin, and wife Tracey of Pinewood; grandchildren Chad Avin and wife Amber Titus of Turbeville, Branden Morris and wife Bianca of Wichita, KS, Eric Von Hollen and wife Jessica Lee of Columbia, Bailey Morris and wife Morgan of Greeneville, TN, Randal Hiers and spouse Frankie of Ehrhardt, SC, Harley Vealey and husband Justin of Sumter, Ansley McFaddin and husband Taylor of Sumter; and great-grandchildren Dreamy, Levee, Kyndal, Dayton, Aria and Liam. As the 8th of 11 children, Mildred is survived by brothers Bob Charles of San Diego, CA and Thomas Charles of Sumter; and sister Mary Jane McLeod of Sumter. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers Kimsey and Boyd Charles; sisters Frances Plemmons, Gladys Wright, Juanita Griffen, Betty Thames, and Argia Thames; as well as adopted brothers Ralph and Floyd Flannigan. There will be a casual drop-in Celebration of Life for Mildred on Saturday, January 11th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at The Avin Barn @ 4950 Pinewood Road. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 12th at 3:00 PM at Pinewood Baptist Church, with the Rev. Bennie Barwick and Rev. Jim Johnson officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 2:00 in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow in the Pinewood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wedgefield Children’s Home, PO Box 265, Wedgefield, SC 29168 or to MIRCI, 2750 Laurel Street, Suite 301, Columbia, SC 29204. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.