Avis was born in Stedman, Alabama on August 17, 1934, to the late James and Vesta Thompson. She passed away in Lakeland on January 28, 2025. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Hart, Jeff Thompson and Clint (Darlene) Burkey; grandchildren, Stephen (Stephanie) Perkins, Robbie Perkins, Jonathan Perkins, Victoria (Timothy) Ray, Cody (Brittany) Thompson, Sheresa (Cameron) O'Keefe, Marisa (Jeff) Trehy, Sarah Burkey; great-grandchildren, Logan, Emily, Wesley, Chloe, Zoe, Tyler, Skylar, Cody Jr., Jaden, Mya, Teagan, Thomas, Braven, Carson, Aria, Rory, Audrey and Anthony. She was preceded in death by her great-grandchildren, Stephen and Bailey.