Amy Averill

Amy Mills Averill of Brevard, N.C. passed away on April 24, 2020.  She was born in Rochester, N.Y. on August 13, 1916 to the late Harry Burrows and Mary Alice Hall Burrows.  She was also predeceased by her first husband, Ogden C. Mills; second husband, Damon R. Averill; a son, Terence L. Mills; and her brother, Harry S. Burrows.

Amy grew up in Lakeview, N.Y., graduated from Hutchinson Technical High School, Buffalo, N.Y., and received an associate degree in business from the University of Buffalo.  While living in Buffalo, Amy volunteered as a docent at Albright-Knox Art Gallery, served as president of the women’s auxiliary at Sandy Beach Yacht Club, was Skipper of the women’s association of the Buffalo Power Squadron, and was a member of the Literacy Volunteers Council.

In 1984 Amy moved to Brevard, N.C. where her deep interest in historic preservation led her to become a member and past president of the Transylvania County Historical Society, serve on the Board of Directors of Preservation North Carolina, and be a member of Heritage Society of the National Trust of Historic Preservation.

In 2001 Amy received the Ruth Coltrane Cannon Award, presented by the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina, the highest state award given to an individual who has demonstrated a genuine commitment to historic preservation.

Aside from her volunteer activities and philanthropy, Amy could be found on a golf course, first at Cherry Hill Country Club in Buffalo and then, after the move to Brevard, she continued the game as a member of Glen Cannon Golf Club.  She also never turned down a bridge game; would say why do I bother but always went back for more.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey O. Mills (Bonnie), Brevard, N.C.; her daughter, Deborah M. Kaminin (Andrei), Wilmington, N.C.; two granddaughters, Tracie H. Gelbstein (Jonathan), Hampton, N.H., and Melissa M. Kaminin, Bryans Road, Md.; and two beautiful great-granddaughters, Jessica and Lucy Gelbstein.

There will be no local memorial service.  A burial service will be held later at Elmlawn Cemetery, Buffalo, N.Y. at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Amy’s memory may be made to Transylvania County Historical Society for the care of the Allison-Deaver house or to a charity of choice.