Avril Victoria Wilbanks Horsley of Gadsden, Alabama died peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, following a series of recent health issues.
She was born on October 6, 1943 in London, England to Clarence L. and Irene P. Wilbanks. Irene and Avril boarded a ship to the U.S. in early 1945 and lived briefly with family in Atlanta, GA, while waiting on Clarence to return from the war, later that year. After Clarence returned, they moved to Gadsden, where they lived the remainder of their lives.
Avril attended St. James Catholic School and Gadsden High School. She had many cherished friendships from those days that she closely maintained her whole life. She first met William (David) Horsley, when they were neighbors across the street from each other on Chestnut Street, in Gadsden. They started dating in December 1965 and were married on August 24, 1968. They both attended the University of Alabama, with Avril graduating in 1966 with a B.A. in education and David graduating in 1972 with a B.S. in marketing.
While living in Tuscaloosa, their son Jeff was born in December 1971. Following David's graduation, they lived briefly in Nashville, TN, before returning to Gadsden in August of 1972, where Avril taught mostly in elementary schools, including Saint James Catholic School and the Episcopal Day School for many years. Daughter, Jennifer was born in November 1977.
Avril loved teaching and helping shape young lives. She loved Alabama football and sailing, especially in the Caribbean, spending time with her grandchildren and the Episcopal Church.
Avril is survived by her husband, David, son Jeff Horsley and his wife, Caroline and grandchildren Will and Catherine, of Atlanta, GA, daughter Jennifer Weatherilt and her husband, Nathan, and their children Carter and Ava of Clearwater, FL.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter https://holycomfortergadsden.dioala.org/ or the Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center of Gadsden https://hsprac.com/ would be much appreciated.
A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow at the church.