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1953-2021

Mary Evelyn Avery “EJ” of LaGrange, Georgia, peacefully entered heaven Nov. 28, 2021, after a long battle with several health issues. She was 68 years old.

EJ was a joy to all who knew her, full of life and love for everyone around her. Her smile was one-of-a-kind, and her beautiful blue eyes clearly reflected the joy and kindness in her heart. EJ loved the Lord dearly and made an effort to show His love wherever she went. She was a valiant prayer warrior and Proverbs 31 woman, a hard worker who was fully devoted to God and to her husband and family. She had such a gift for encouraging others and was like a mother to many who weren’t in her biological family. Anyone who knew her knows that EJ never gave up; she was relentless in her zest for life and her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was extremely proud to be Michael and Angela’s mother, and always did whatever she could to encourage, love, pray for, and help them.

EJ was born in the Gadsden, Alabama area on Dec. 10, 1952.

She moved around quite a bit in young adulthood, but in 1992, she stumbled upon the love of her life when she answered a phone call one evening. Steve accidentally mis-dialed a phone number, EJ answered, conversation ensued, and as they say, “the rest is history.” They lived in Springhill, Florida, for several years, and then finally settled in LaGrange, Georgia, where they found their true home.

Their precious church family at Baptist Tabernacle are lifelong friends who have faithfully walked with them through the ups and downs of life over the last two decades.

EJ is survived by her husband of 29 years, Steve; children, Mickey (Michael) Jones and Angela Hall; grandchildren, Chris Hall, Nikki Hall, Sovann Robinson, and Kory Jones; great grandchildren, Brooklyn Smith and Paisley Smith; brothers, James Crowe and Paul David Crowe, sisters, Joyce Jones, Carolyn Perkins, and Betty Jo Hanson; and three dear friends who were like daughters to EJ, Vickie Steele, Sonya Barfield, and Amanda Ackerman. EJ is also survived by a host of extended family members. She will be missed more than words can say.

EJ was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Sr. “Bud” and Maceil Crowe, and brothers, Horace Crowe and Eugene Crowe.

The Gathering of Family and Friends will be from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at Baptist Tabernacle. A Celebration of EJ’s life will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jimmy McMillian and Pastor Chad Owens officiating. The burial will be 1 p.m.  Monday, Dec.6, 2021, in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, Georgia, 30240, (706) 884-8636.