Dr. Mary B. Avery, 79, passed January 29, 2026 in Phenix City, AL.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST, Monday, February 9, 2026 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Otto Thomas, officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Public Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, February 7, 2026, during which time Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will conduct an Omega Omega Service at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Dr. Avery, beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, departed this life, on January 29, 2026, in Phenix City, AL.

Born on October 13, 1946, in Montgomery, AL, to Mary Frances Glass and Golden Harris. Mary was preceded in death by two sisters, Janice Brooks and Georgia Alexander; and one brother, Charlie Reese.

Education was one of Mary’s greatest callings, and she pursued it with extraordinary dedication. A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in 1966, she went on to build and exceptional academic foundation. After relocating to New York, Mary earned both her Bachelor of Education in 1973 and Master of Education in 1976 from Herbert H. Lehman College in the Bronx. Her commitment to lifelong learning culminated in the achievement of her Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Sarasota, Florida - a milestone that reflected her passion for scholarship, leadership, and service.

Mary devoted more than thirty years to the field of education, distinguishing, herself as a “teacher’s teacher.” She began her career in the classroom and rose through the ranks to become a respected school principal. Whether teaching or leading, Mary approached every role with a steadfast mission: to uplift children and transform their futures.

In 1979, while serving with the Department of Defense Overseas Schools in Germany, Mary met the man who would become her life partner, William T. Avery. Their meeting sparked a love story that would span more than 46 years. Together, they built a marriage grounded in devotion, adventure, and mutual respect traveling the world, raising a family, and supporting one another through every chapter of life. Their union stands as a testament to enduring love and partnership.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, William T. Avery, 2 loving sons, Christopher Burke of Raleigh, NC and Michael P. Murray (Venus) of Brooklyn, NY; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Sandra Thomas (Otto) and Teresa Wilkerson; and 2 brothers, Arthur Reese and Michael Reese, all of Montgomery, AL.