Mrs. Ruth Baker Avirett, age 96, of Sandersville peacefully passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 2:00 P.M. in the May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel of Sandersville with burial in the Brownwood Cemetery in Sandersville. Reverend Lee Lacey will officiate. Pallbearers will be Scott Chapman, Jimmy Croome, Jimmy Godfrey, Rob Mathis, and Ben Raley. Members of the Jared Irwin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will sit as an Honorary Group. The family will greet friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.
Mrs. Avirett was born in Sandersville, the daughter of the late Nesbit Baker and the late Pearl Green Baker. She was reared in Louisville, where she graduated high school prior to attending Mercer University as a member of the ADPI Sorority, graduating with a degree in Sociology. Ruth married the late E. Ray Avirett on August 22, 1948. Mrs. Avirett worked as an elementary school teacher in the Bleckley County and Bibb County Schools before returning to Sandersville. She worked for 24 years with the Washington County Board of Education and Brentwood School. Ruth was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Sandersville for over 70 years, teaching Sunday School and participating in the Woman’s Missionary Union. Mrs. Avirett was a charter member of the Sandersville Town and County Garden Club. She was also a member of the Jared Irwin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Washington County Historical Society. Ruth was an avid researcher of genealogy, authoring and publishing two books. Mrs. Avirett was known as a talented player of bridge.
Survivors include her children, Donald Baker Avirett and wife Paula of Amarillo, Texas and Laura Avirett Miller of Gainesville; grandchildren, Laura Avirett Anderson, Dr. Nathaniel M. Avirett, Havilah Miller Wallace and husband Matt, Jarrett Lemuel Miller and, Dr. Evan Avirett Miller; and great-grandchildren, Jude Avirett, Samuel Avirett, Gwendolyn Avirett, Truett Burciaga, Liam Anderson, Lochland Anderson, Everett Miller, and Harrison Miller.
Donations may be made to Brentwood School, P.O. Box 955, Sandersville, Georgia 31082 or to the First Baptist Church, 316 Mathis Circle, Sandersville, Georgia 31082.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.