Fay Doris Garland Avington

Fay Doris Avington, age 96, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, was born on March 8, 1929, to the late Walter and Nannie Garland. She departed this life on January 16, 2026, peacefully in the comfort of her home.

Fay Doris attended school through the eighth grade, yet she overcame educational barriers through determination, wisdom, and hard work. She believed deeply in the value of labor and instilled in her children the importance of perseverance, self-reliance, and overcoming life’s obstacles. A tireless worker, she planted trees for Volley McDaniel and later hauled pulpwood and logs for various companies. Through her example and instruction, she taught her children how to earn a living working in the woods, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families independently.

She was united in marriage to the late Leroy Charles Allen Avington, and to this union were born seven sons and two daughters: a son who preceded her in death at birth; Roy Lee Luster (deceased); Lee Ivory Avington (deceased); Sergeant Major (Retired) David Paul Avington (Sharon) of Malvern, Arkansas; Dennis Karrol Avington (deceased); Rickey Dean Avington (Tina) of Malvern, Arkansas; Dr. Linda Fay Avington of Sherwood, Arkansas; Minister Dr. Gwendolyn Avington of Portland, Oregon; and Christopher Mark Avington of Witherspoon, Arkansas.

Throughout her life, Fay Doris believed in perseverance, prayer, singing, and helping those less fortunate. She fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, and offered help to anyone in need. Though she had a kind heart, she was also a woman of firm boundaries and often humorously remarked, “I like you, but don’t step on my blue suede shoes.”

Fay Doris worked for many years cutting and hauling pulpwood to support her family. She loved to joke, sing, and socialize, sharing gospel, country, and blues music wherever she went. Her singing brought laughter and joy, and her love for people was evident in every conversation she shared.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Nannie Garland, and her sons, Roy Lee Luster, Lee Ivory Avington, and Dennis Karrol Avington. Fay Doris was the last surviving child of sixteen born to Walter and Nannie Garland.

She leaves to cherish her memory of eighteen grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends whose lives she touched through her strength, generosity, and enduring spirit.

Fay's Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 23, 2026, at First United Pentecostal Church in Malvern. A visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Her earthly body will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Joan, Arkansas. Her online guestbook is available below. Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to serve the Avington family with professional care.