Michelle Lydia Avery

Michelle Lydia Avery, of Bryant, Arkansas, was born September 1,1964 in Detroit, Michigan to James Louis Cawson and Rose Marie (Monfette) Cawson. Michelle went to be with the Lord on May 17, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Michelle graduated from Walled Lake Western High School in 1982. Following graduation, Michelle earned her cosmetology license in both Michigan and Arkansas. Michelle had experience in many different areas including cosmetology, hair dressing, customer service, and with children at local daycares where she and her husband were stationed, and as a teacher's assistant at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School. Michelle was passionate about babies and children and volunteered at the New Beginnings Pregnancy Center. She enjoyed spending time with her family and finding good deals. She was especially proud of her children and grandchildren.

Michelle is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Thomas Avery; her two daughters, Jessica and her children Liam and Asher, and Melissa Avery (Lacey Tillman) and their children Luna and Vivian; her brother, Tony Cawson  (Joann), her niece, Jennifer Hromi, her great-nieces Bonnie, Willow, and Hailey; and her great-nephew, Sawyer; and many family members and friends who love Michelle and will miss her always. 

Michelle will be remembered for her sense of humor, her kindness, and her strong faith in God. She was a devout Catholic and active in her church.

Michelle was well cared for by her doctor and family at CARTI  as well as the amazing staff at Arkansas Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CARTI at https://www.carti.com/foundation/donate-now, Arkansas Hospice at https://www.arkansashospice.org/foundation/donate, or the New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, at https://buy.stripe.com/8wMaERcLs52I9RS7ss.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Rosary will be held Friday, June 6th, at 6:00 PM, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 900 W. Cross Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.