Bertie Avants

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 Hattie Brumfield 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.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 15th from 5:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, June 16th from 9:00-11:00 am with service to follow. Interment immediately following her celebration of life.