Our precious mom, sister, grandmother and friend, Avey Williams Bringhurst Gregerson, returned to her Heavenly Father's loving arms on August 28, 2004. Mom was born January 8, 1918 in Kanarraville, Utah to George Berry Williams and Clarissa Elizabeth Prince. Her mother died when she was six years old and her father then married her mother's younger sister, Juanita. Together they raised 10 children. As a child, mom loved spending summers with her family on beautiful Kanarra Mountain where her father was a land owner and sheep rancher. She enjoyed riding horses and was an avid reader. She attended high school in Cedar City where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. On September 13, 1935 mom married Leslie Bringhurst in the St. George Temple. They began their life in Toquerville, Utah and had five children. She worked alongside her husband in the fruit orchards. Extremely talented, mom made a float for many 4th of July parades, spoke at many funerals, sang at most weddings, and wrote numerous poems. In 1955 mom and her family moved to Salt Lake City where she went to beauty school and Leslie went to barber school. They planned to return to Toquerville and open a beauty shop but Leslie took ill and passed away October 30, 1956. She was fortunate to meet Clyde Gregerson, also from Southern Utah who was a recent widower with four children. They got married on October 19, 1957 and raised their combined family of nine children. They enjoyed many happy years together on Crestwood Drive. Mom loved the Gospel, had a strong testimony, and served in almost every capacity. She especially loved singing in the choir and teaching Relief Society. Soon after Dad retired, they served a mission together at the Visitor's Center in Palmyra, New York. When mom's health began to decline, Clyde gave her such tender loving care until his death on June 6, 2003. Mom touched many lives with her incredible sense of humor and her soft, compassionate manner. She set a wonderful example with her positive and nonjudgmental attitude. Words cannot express the void that mom's passing has left in our lives; yet there is great peace in knowing that she is surrounded by loved ones who welcome her home. She is survived by children: Patsy Bringhurst Leavitt; Linda (Gayle) Bringhurst McDonald; Toni (Mike) Bringhurst Bunnell; Laura (Dave) Bringhurst Nevens; Andrew Gregerson; Elsa (Verl) Gregerson Kartchner; Hans (Joan) Gregerson; Sonya (Roger) Gregerson Hansen; sisters Twila (Frank) Heit; Clara Littlefield; Juana (Deke) Blackburn; brother, Marlow Williams; 25 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her son Alan Leslie Bringhurst; son-in-law Ronald L. Leavitt; brothers Preston Williams, Park Williams; Dallen Williams; sisters Alenna Berry; Wetona Williams. Funeral services held Thursday, September 2, 2004, at the Olympus 10th Ward, 3610 East 3510 South. Interment Toquerville Cemetery, Toquerville, Utah, Friday, September 3, 2004 The family wishes to thank Bishop Roger Harrie; Bishop Kenton Willis; Dr. Jeff Twitchell; and care giver, Margaret Ann Putnam. On behalf of mom, take an elderly person to lunch.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 8/31/2004 - 9/1/2004.