LOUISBURG, NC -- Avis Lorraine Lester Cottrell, 78, of Louisburg, died August 4, 2026.

Born February 18, 1948, Avis was the daughter of the late Ralph Eugene Lester and Merthena Perkerson Lester Sykes. She was preceded in death by her brother, Delbert "Squirrel" Lester.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.

Avis is survived by her daughters, Angie Ayscue (Andy), Wendi Whitley (Timmy); her son, Robbie Loyd (Erin); six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Rebecca "Beck" Pearce (James) of Raleigh; brother Eugene Lester (Loria) of Louisburg; sister-in-law Connie Lester Moss; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial contributions can be made in Avis's memory to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 351 T. Kemp Rd. Louisburg, NC 27549 or to Safe Space (https://www.ncsafespace.org/copy-of-ways-to-help).

Arrangements were by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.