Doris Hester Avant

 Doris Hester Avant, 87, of Bladenboro, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 19, 2024, while at Wesley Pines Skilled Nursing Facility in Lumberton. She was born on February 8, 1937, and raised in Bladen County, the daughter of the late Kermit Poe Hester and Lila Mae Callihan Hester.

Doris leaves behind her beloved husband of 69 years, James E. “Jimmy” Avant; daughter, Elizabeth A. Lari (Mike) of Shelby; son, James W. “Woody” Avant (Michelle) of Bladenboro; five grandsons: Wil, Jack, Nick, Dylan and Luke; sister, Ann Walters (Guy) of Lenior; several nieces and nephews.

Doris was a dedicated Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed spending time at the beach, with her book club, with her family, special cousins, and friends. She was a charter member of the Bladenboro Historical Society, and an active participant in the Bladenboro First Baptist Church choir. She and Jimmy enjoyed an especially close lifelong relationship with her sister Ann and husband Guy Walters. Doris enjoyed traveling and socializing with her close friends and book club. Doris and Jimmy would often visit Pier 41 which was their favorite place to eat. Doris’s compassionate, faithful, and fun-loving spirit will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends from 10am-10:45am on Monday, July 22nd at the Bladenboro First Baptist Church with a funeral service at 11am. Burial will follow services in the Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL. 60601 or to Bladenboro First Baptist Church, PO Box 176, Bladenboro, NC 28320.