Negatha Avery

Negatha (Gatha) Pittman Avery, 87, passed away in Hendersonville, TN on July 13, 2021, with her family by her side.

She was born on March 29, 1934 in the Greenwood, Florida area to the late Mary Jane Coulliette and Coley Pittman. She was the oldest of three sisters. Gatha graduated from Greenwood High School and attended Chipola Junior College in Marianna, FL. She married her husband Julian in 1954 while he was serving in the Air Force. They had two children, Wanda Sue and Rick. As a family, they lived in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. Gatha and Julian settled in Hendersonville, TN in 1980.

Gatha is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Julian Avery; her children, Wanda Sue Evans (John) and Rick Avery (Kellie); her grandchildren, Jessica Climer (Justin), Matt Avery (Simeta), Tori Avery, Jake Avery, Camryn Avery, Tammi Dobson (Micky), Andy Evans, and Freddy Evans; and her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Climer, Emma Climer, Pheobe Avery, Grace and Julian, and Emery Dobson. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Syble Thompson and Nell Thomas.

Gatha was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking delicious meals for her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband in their R.V. She loved to spend time shopping with her family. Gatha also enjoyed being a member of the YMCA, taking water aerobics classes, and playing cards and dominoes with friends.

Gatha was an active member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville. She loved singing in the choir at her previous church. She was formerly a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. For many years, she served as a pink lady at Hendersonville Hospital. She loved volunteering to help feed families in need. In addition, she was a long-time supporter of Sewing for the Nations through First Baptist Church.

A celebration of life service for Gatha will be held in the chapel of Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 East Main Street, on Saturday, July 17th at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Bruce Railey. Gathering for family and friends will begin at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gatha’s name can be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 2206, Brentwood, TN 37024 or at http://www.tennesseechildren.org