Avila Carmencita Wilson, lovingly known as “Veedie” to many, made the transition to her heavenly home on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. She was born on August 7th, 1956, in Winchester, Virginia, where she was warmly received by parents, Shelby and Emma Wilson, who preceded her in passing. Emma was not only Avila’s mother, but a cherished lifelong mentor and guiding light who shaped her life in profound ways. True to her mother’s legacy, Avila pursued a life of academia as a student of music and mathematics. She received an undergraduate degree from Shepherd University, and a Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech. A dedicated educator, Avila shared her gifts across numerous academic institutions – from colleges to vocational programs, ultimately retiring from Hampshire County Public Schools in West Virginia, where she served as both a teacher and athletics coach.

Avila’s love for music was cultivated in the church where she spent much of her childhood. That love naturally became a calling, and she served as Minister of Music for many years at her family’s church home in Berryville, Virginia. Avila was a phenomenal woman, possessing many talents including savant abilities in music, arithmetic, and carpentry – remarkable athleticism, and a heart of true selflessness which she extended to others without the expectation of reciprocity. As a nurturer and truly exceptional mother, her doors, arms and ears remained open; and she took pride in offering her time, love and generosity to those around her. Never at a loss for words, Avila truly enjoyed sharing her knowledge (and unique sense of humor) with others, and she was admired by many healthcare professionals for her sportsmanlike tenacity.

Now resting in the arms of the Lord, Avila leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves to treasure her memories, a devoted son, Dr. Kingsley Darnell A. Smith; beloved goddaughters, Deborah Byrd and Julieann Fiermen; and children she loved as her own, Kenya T. Smith, Sonya Reed, Solita Barr, Jataia Johnson, and Jasmine Curtis. She is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and students whose lives she touched. Truly a once in a lifetime mother, Avila Carmencita Wilson’s unwavering love, generous spirit, and boundless dedication will be forever cherished.

“The celebration of life will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00pm at Omps Funeral Home (1600 Amherst St. Winchester, VA 22601). Please feel free to come at any time within those 2 hours to memorialize Avila’s life.”