HOW DO you measure the profound impact of a life dedicated to quietly observing, listening, and meeting the needs of others? Avonlea Laurel Ellen Wilmer’s life touched countless lives, as reflected in her genuine smile and the smile she put on others’ faces.
“She was always smiling. Everyone remembers her smile and the look of joy that was always on her face. She was so thoughtful and kind,” said her father, Adam.
When Avonlea entered sixth grade at Brookville Middle School (BMS) in 2015, she carried the love of her parents, Adam and Carrie, with her and a wish for her father to volunteer and help at BMS. Adam connected with the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) leadership and became its vice president early that school year.
“This was truly the start of building a positive relationship with BMS administration, teachers, students, and parents. All of them had the same goal of making things better for BMS,” Adam explained.
But in December, Avonlea’s heart failed, leaving the world without her endearing smile. While it seemed dark in the days following her loss, the light of her smile reappeared in the smiles of the many she touched in her brief life. Story after story testified to Avonlea’s impact.
Adam shared, “It was really after her passing, as we would hear stories (even still as the years go by), that it reinforced how incredibly special she was and how much influence she had in that short time on students, teachers, and staff.”
Many memorials honor Avonlea’s impact today, including:
- Avonlea’s permanently retired locker with her color picture, her writings, and favorite images
- Landscaped area near the flagpole with plaque
- BMS’ annual character award renamed after Avonlea
- Bench with Avonlea’s name and “caring for others” at the school’s main entrance
- Chair at 2022 high school graduation, draped in her favorite color and a big blue bow
- Star named after Avonlea, its coordinates on com- memorative T-shirts worn by friends
- Walking trail proposed by Avonlea’s friend, Maggie, with benches dedicated to Avonlea with a comforting quote — a place for the grieving
- “Avonlea’s Angels,” the infant/toddler child development center at the church Avonlea attended with friends, with her portrait and life impact
- Bracelets with Avonlea’s name and “care for others” still worn by friends and community members
- Christmas ornaments featuring Avonlea’s picture still used by many families each year
- Forest Middle School’s school club, Avonlea’s Angels, whose mission is to “implement community service projects showing kindness & support to others in our school and community”
- Lynchburg Humane Society’s special area with Avonlea’s name on it and Central Virginia Regional Rescue’s Avonlea’s Angels donation-funded animal care program
After Avonlea’s death, Adam continued his involvement with the BMS PTO. This choice, while emotionally challenging, allowed him to honor his daughter’s memory and continue positively impacting the school community.
“It was great to be a part of all the positive strides in helping the school and students but also internally painful to watch the students at … because I remember vividly Avonlea being right there in front of me, doing those same things … but now she isn’t.”
Through his continued involvement, Adam has witnessed positive changes benefiting the students and school community. He believes Avonlea would be proud of her legacy.
“The PTO tries to help in all sorts of areas. It’s the smiles on the faces of those impacted that say, without words, we succeeded … we made someone’s day … we made things better.”
How do you measure the profound impact of a life dedicated to quietly observing, listening, and meeting the needs of others? You measure it in smiles. GN
