Rubye Inez Avant

Rubye Inez Avant, 86, of Sandersville, passed away peacefully in Macon on August 21, 2023, following a brief illness. She was born February 18, 1937, to the late William Harlie Turner and the late Mildred Thompkins Turner. Rubye graduated from Sandersville High School in 1955 and later that year on November 26 married Marvin Wright Avant of Sandersville. The couple lived for a brief period in Milledgeville, but relocated to the Avant Family Farm, where Marvin, his father, and his brother raised cattle and grew soybeans, corn, and cotton. Here, they permanently settled and raised their two daughters, Debra and Donna. Rubye was employed in Milledgeville by Central State Hospital, J.P. Stevens, and later, Grumman Aerospace, from which she retired after 20 years of service. Rubye received her greatest fulfillment in spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters. She took great pride in preparing her family’s favorite dishes, and any request was always granted. Some of her family’s favorites were her cornbread, banana pudding, and holiday dressing. In addition to cooking, she loved traveling, decorating, sewing, wreath making, and floral design. She was always sure to furnish an original floral arrangement for the sanctuary and fellowship hall at Olive Hill Baptist Church, of which she was a long-time member. Her giving spirit was one of her most notable traits, and people were drawn to her compassionate personality and thoughtful nature.

Rubye is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Marvin Wright Avant; her parents Mildred Thompkins Turner and William Harlie Turner; her brother, William Turner, Jr.; her sister, Elaine Turner Giddens; and her niece, Renee Giddens Brett, all of Sandersville. She is survived by her two daughters, Debra Tyson of Dublin and Donna Morgan (John) of Macon; four grandchildren, Thomas Baugh, Jr. (Erin) of Panama City Beach, Florida, Jackson Morgan, Taylor Morgan (Ashlee), and Kayla Morgan all of Macon. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Abigayle Baugh of Macon and Keller Baugh of Panama City Beach, Florida. Also left to mourn her loss are several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews who all were a very important part of her life.

The family will be at the home of Rubye Avant in Sandersville on August 23 after 12:00 PM to greet visitors. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Williams Funeral Home in Milledgeville, with a visitation on August 24 from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to services at 2:00 PM.. Burial will be private. Officiating will be the Reverend Andy Carter and the Reverend John King. Pallbearers include nephews Wayne Bloodworth, Glenn Veasey, Bryan Young, Ray Bryant, Jr., Billy Turner, and Chris Turner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pine Pointe Hospice at 6162 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210, or to Olive Hill Baptist Church c/o Pam Avant Boyd at 117 Stephanie Lane South - NE Milledgeville, GA 31061.

The family would like to thank the professional, compassionate staff at Pine Pointe Hospice in Macon, and Theresa Archer for her loving dedication in caring for both Rubye and Marvin in their later years.

This is a courtesy announcement of May & Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville, Ga.