Jesse Steven ''Steve'' Avery, 60, of 98 Askew Lane, Plymouth, died Monday, September 14, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Steve was a native of Greene Co. and was the son of the late John Buck ''J. B.'' Avery and Mary Baker Avery. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Avery. He was retired from Tidewater Research Station in Roper, NC. Steve loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Askew Avery; his daughter, Marla Avery of Greenville; his son, Austin Avery and his girlfriend, Christin Young, of the home; two sisters, Shirley Pollard and her husband, Mack, of Winterville and Diane Rasberry and her husband, Bob, of Farmville; one sister-in-law, Becky Avery, also of Farmville; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Highway 32, in Plymouth, NC with Rev. Al Markuson and Rev. Howard Simpson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the services at the church and other times at the home.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorial donations may be made to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, 1209 Brown Street, Washington, NC 27889.