Ellen Avant

1946 - 2016

Ellen Frances Avant, 70, long-time member of First Baptist Church, Tupelo, passed away December 22, 2016. She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on September 13, 1946 to Alfred Medill and Dorothy Mae Settles Sexton. Ellen married Travis Avant April 12, 1966. Ellen and Travis moved to Tupelo in 1977 with Travis' work. She worked as a teller at Trustmark Bank and Am South Bank. She also worked at Dacus Inc. for over 13 years. She was very dedicated to her family, especially her mother and mother-in-law. Ellen had a big heart for children and enjoyed spoiling her nieces, nephews and friend's children. She really enjoyed baking and was heavily involved with the church and volunteering for its functions. Ellen and her husband have been faithful members of First Baptist Church for 36 years.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at First Baptist Church with visitation from 9 a.m. until service time. Dr. Gayle Alexander will be officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2016, in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Travis Avant of Tupelo; brother, Mike Sexton (Joni) of Ottumwa, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Mildred Grimes (Jerry) of Geneva, Alabama and Margarette Grimes (Jimmy) of Ozark, Alabama and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Steven Sexton (Mary) and several uncles and aunts.

Pallbearers will be Terry Byars, Phil Richey, Bentley Martin, James Shelton, Boyce Shelton and Jack McFerrin.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Terry Byars Sunday school class.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 300 N Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804.

Expression of sympathy may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.