Evelyn Avery

Evelyn Avery, age 84, passed away on September 3, 2023.

She was born on November 28, 1938, in Macon, Mississippi to Sam Payton Jr. and Florean May Fortner. Evelyn was raised by her father, Roosevelt Fortner.

She worked in the laundry at Copeland Oaks for 25 years and was a homemaker. Evelyn was a member of Second Baptist Church. She enjoyed shopping and having cookouts with her family. Evelyn especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Jacqueline Avery; two sons, Keith Avery and Gary (Trineshia) Avery; two sisters, Cheryl Gray Grimes (Marion) and Ola Fortner; two brothers, Roosevelt Fortner Jr. and Willie Fortner; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of special friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 50 years, Jack T. Avery; son, Michael Payton; sister, Nancy Stewart; and brothers, Sylvester Payton, Eugene Payton, Robert Payton, Alvin Fortner, Bennie Fortner.

A funeral service will be held at Second Baptist Church on Saturday, September 9th at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Pastor Willie Bell will officiate. Interment will be at Alliance City Cemetery.