Delois Avery

Delois Laverne Avery, 90, formerly of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

Delois was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Rutherford O’Neil and Allene Wallace Price. She was the eldest of three children, lovingly guiding her sister, Shirley Price, and brother, Charles “Sweet Pea” Price, throughout their early years.

She received her early education in the public schools of Nacogdoches, Texas, and later attended Butler College in Tyler, Texas. In 1953, she married her college sweetheart, Ike Avery, in Terrell, Texas. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Ika Karmaine Avery, who remained the joy of their lives.

After moving to Amarillo, Texas, Delois pursued her passion for education by returning to school at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education and went on to serve as a devoted third‑grade teacher for twenty-five years. She poured love, patience, and joy into every classroom, and her students adored her in return. Her dedication to teaching became one of the defining chapters of her life, a testament to her deep commitment to children and learning.

Delois was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and delighted in collecting elephants, a cherished tradition within the sisterhood. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a long‑time member of Mount Zion Baptist Church beginning in 1960, where she faithfully served as a deaconess, choir member, and Mission Society member—roles that reflected her lifelong devotion to service and community.

Following the passing of her beloved husband in 2011, Delois remained in Amarillo, Texas, for three and a half years, supported by loving caregivers Rodney and Jennifer Smith. She later moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to live with her daughter and son‑in‑law, who became her primary caregivers. During her years in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she was also blessed with the compassionate care of Mari “Sue” Taulton and Carlay Eli, each of whom formed a special bond with her. Their presence brought comfort, companionship, and genuine connection in her later years.

Delois was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, her siblings, sisters‑in‑law, Vera Avery and Dorothy Morrison, brothers‑in‑law, Booker T. Avery and Joe Avery, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Ika Karmaine Avery Bly, son‑in‑law, Reggie, her son‑in‑law’s siblings, Gary and Carol, her bonus granddaughter, Kayla Bly, bonus great‑granddaughter, Kali, and a loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who each held a special place in her heart. Her legacy lives on through the love she gave so freely and the lives she touched with grace.

Please sign the Online Guest Book, and view Ms. Delois Laverne Avery’s obituary at www.warfordmortuary.com.