NameAVANTS, Winford Darnell , 5G Grandson
Birth Date30 Jan 1925
Birth PlaceAmite County, Mississippi
Death Date16 Feb 1977 Age: 52
Death PlaceBaton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louiiana
FlagsServed in the Military, World War II
Spouses
Birth Date29 Nov 1926
Birth PlaceMississippi
Death Date10 Jan 2022 Age: 95
Death PlaceBaton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louiiana
Misc. Notes
Bertie Elizabeth Smith Avants, 95, was born to George Watson Smith and Roberta Elizabeth Brumfield Smith on November 29, 1926. Bertie passed away in her sleep at her daughter's home in Baton Rouge, LA. on June 10, 2022.
Bertie being the youngest of 12 children lost her mom and twin sister at childbirth. Her father remarried Hettie Alice Alford Fortenberry so Bertie actually had two families that she loved very much. Bertie was married to Winford Darnell Avants for 32 years before his passing in February, 1977.
Bertie worked as a secretary for the Dept. of Education until she retired with 30 years of service. She loved plants and enjoyed working in her yard, as well as making jelly. She also loved LSU sports. She was a member of First Baptist of Central and one of the ministries she enjoyed was Operation Christmas Child. She was good at getting donations for this ministry.
Bertie is survived by her daughter, Susan Avants Hoy, her son, Alan Darnell Avants and wife Petrina Gill, four grandchildren; Stephanie Hoy Bayly (Perry), Steven Hoy (Kayla), Patrick Avants (Chasity), Lindsey Avants; eight great-grandchildren; Hayden and Charlee Bayly; Nikolas and Michael Gonthier; Tanner Hoy; Ava and Zepher Morgan; and Liam Avants. Bertie's wish was to be able to meet Liam before her death and she did. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Bertie is preceded in death by her husband Windord Darnell Avants, son-in-law Donald Ray Hoy, grandson Daniel Ray Hoy, brother; Carlie Smith (Mary) of Savanna, Georgia; Abner Smith (Essie) of Baton Rouge, sisters; Elma Brumfield (Jones) of Franklinton, LA; Georgia Jones (Richard) of California; Percy Fortenberry (Lena) of Baton Rouge, Ermitt Fortenberry (Virginia) of Baton Rouge, Frank Fortenberry (LeEarl), of Baton Rouge, and Maggie Fortenberry (Myford Bateman) from Baton Rouge.