Avril James

Avril 'Nana' James, 69, of Lincoln, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June, 22, 2019, while staying with family in North Platte.

Avril was born April 22, 1950, to Ernest and Catherine Clark in Singapore, The Republic of Singapore, where she grew up and went to school. After graduating high school, Avril attended business school while working for the family owned cocktail lounge and hotel.

On November 28, 1973, Avril married Laurence 'Gunner' James in North Platte and were blessed at her church in Singapore, the Church of England, a year later. Since Laurence was serving in the U.S. Navy, they lived in various states and countries. Once he retired they settled in Mount Carroll, Illinois for a number of years until moving to Lincoln in 1998.

Avril loved cooking, tending to her flowers and plants, and going to farmer's markets and flea markets. She also enjoyed ceramics and was a collector of figurines.

She leaves behind her husband, Laurence, and children, Catherine James (Mark Bergstrom), Edward (Krystal) James and Gabriella James, all of Lincoln; grandchildren, Cai Ross, Hunter James, Grant Bergstrom and Chase Bergstrom; great-granddaughter, Calypso; sister, Valerie (Arthur) Phua, of Singapore; brother, Vincent Clark, of Victoria, Australia; her little dogs; and many other family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Catherine Clark.

Cremation was chosen and family will celebrate her life at a later date. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.