Geraldine "Deanie" Avett

1940 - 2025

Geraldine "Deanie" Oliphant Avett left this earthly realm on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after a months-long battle with stage four ovarian cancer leaving her family heartbroken yet profoundly grateful for the gift of her life.
Born on December 20, 1940, in Mooresville, N.C., Deanie was the second of five children of the late Alma and Robert Oliphant. After graduating from Mooresville High School in 1959, she attended Brevard College, where at the age of 19, she met the love of her life, Clegg Wallace "Wally" Avett Jr. They were married in 1963 and began a lifetime of adventures together – raising four children, living in Alaska, traveling to 44 states, and running a family business. 
Deanie had a cheerful disposition and lived the life of an optimist imparting her household with laughter and a legacy of love. She was an extraordinary mother and made sure all four of her children knew they were loved.
Deanie showed her affection most deliciously through the food she prepared. Desserts were her specialty – she always provided at least three at every family gathering. Pig Pickin' Cake was a particular favorite. Next to baking, Deanie loved plants and took delight in growing flowers of all kinds.
A longtime member of Murphy First United Methodist Church, Deanie and Wally were founding members of the Upper Room Sunday School Class. Over the years, she served in various roles at the church, including on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.  Her faith was an integral part of her life.
Deanie retired from the Cherokee County Extension Office where she worked for over 10 years. She also held retail positions over the years in Murphy at A&P Grocery Store, Town and Country Clothing, and Corner Classics.
She lived her life with the quiet intention of making her corner of the world a little better. Whether it was through a shared laugh, a homemade dish, vegetables from her garden, a hand-knit shawl or an encouraging word, Deanie made life warmer and more joyful for those around her. She also firmly believed in putting on lipstick whenever she went out – and without a doubt, she had on her favorite shade when she met Peter at the Pearly Gates.
In addition to her parents, Deanie was preceded in death by her sisters, Nanie O. Jones and Lena O. Jenkins; and her brother, Joel A. Oliphant.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Wally Avett; her children, Jill A. Clark and husband Keith of Asheville, N.C.; Tripp Avett and wife Leslie of Newnan, Ga.; Jessica Avett and boyfriend John Jacobs of Morganton, Ga.; and Robert Avett and wife Suzanne of Weaverville, N.C. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Oliphant and wife Peggy of Mooresville, N.C.; five grandchildren, Sean Clark (fiancee Makenzie Wilkie) Celia Clark, Caroline Avett (fiance Bain McCullough), Mollie Avett, and Nick Roberson and wife Niki of Murphy, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Maddox, Bryce and Leighton Roberson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Murphy First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wil Posey officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary at 2 p.m. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Murphy.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.