STARKVILLE — Sharon J. Avant, 68, died July 1, 2026, at her residence in Starkville. 

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, at Christian Faith M.B. Church, with Demario Brown officiating. Burial will follow at New Prairie Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Carter’s Mortuary Services of West Point is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Avant was born April 9, 1958, in Oktibbeha County, to the late Willie M. Williams and Annie K. Williams. She was formally employed as a teacher. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Derrick Williams.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Avant Sr.; sons, Odell W. Robinson of Starkville and Larry Avant Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Teresa Sandifer of Jackson; brother, Michael Williams of East St Louis, Illinois; sisters, Teresa Outlaw of Starkville, Henrietta Washington of Rockford, Illinois, Sheila Williams, Arioee Stennis, Jeanette Outlaw, and Yvonne Outlaw, all of East St. Louis; and three grandchildren.