Patricia "Miss Patsy" Hett Avery

Patsy Avery was larger-than-life. She was an icon, who proudly bore many titles to many people: Mrs. Lynn F. Avery, Mom, Mother, Gran Mommy, Great Mommy, and most preferred “Miss Patsy.” Such a vivid personality wouldn’t fit in a novel, much less an obituary..

Patricia Hett Avery was born in Columbus, Georgia (She’d famously refuse to give her age) and proudly graduated from Columbus High. She was a talented painter, dancer and actress and that led her to attend Northwestern University with a BA in Art. There she met the love of her life, Lynn Avery, after “going on a date and kissing Warren Beatty. ” Her diploma in hand, she had her eyes set on New York City where she wanted to star on Broadway and continue her modeling.

Patsy’s debut was anything but quiet. She was chosen Georgia’s Maid of Cotton, first runner-up to Miss Chicago, and even dinner with Estee Lauder herself were only some of her early achievements. However, as her love with Lynn blossomed, she found her herself returning to Columbus, her home, to build a family and, ultimately, a legacy.

Anyone who has had the joy of knowing Patsy at any stage throughout her life knows that she was born to be on TV. Patsy’s first exposure to “life in front of a camera” was as a weather girl on WTVM working alongside Lynn at the station. Within a year, she’d establish one of her greatest claims to fame, as the “Miss Patsy” of Miss Patsy’s Playhouse, a live children’s tv show that ran in the Columbus area from 1959 to 1971. As Miss Patsy, she would reach thousands of children, and permanently impact many of their lives. One of her greatest joys was to meet these very children decades later, and hear them say “Miss Patsy, I was on your show!!!!" with childlike joy. Following her beloved show, Patsy continued to maintain a TV presence, employing her iconic starpower in several local commercials.

Patsy was a woman of passion, and one of her greatest was her service to God. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where she directed many elaborate productions and taught Sunday School to young adults.

Her entire life was dedicated to making children feel loved, important, valued and educated. Patsy spent 20 years substitute teaching at schools, not necessarily to educate, but to make sure children felt loved. Her favorite was always Fox Elementary School.

And despite how much she has given so many, Patsy always had time for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

Her incredible strong will (“stubbornness”), ambition, and love for God live on in every single one of her six children, nine grandchildren and a brand new great granddaughter, most of whom were by her side during her last breath.

Survivors include three daughters; Kyle Bair (Mark), Lissa Mummert (Jimmy) all of Columbus, Susanna Avery-Lynch (Joseph) of Italy; three sons; Lane Avery (Baret) of Chattanooga, TN, Lynn Avery (Karla) of Atlanta and Patrick Avery (Heather) of Columbus; nine grandchildren James, Mark Allen, Anna, Patrick, Elizabeth, Patricia, Maddie, Grayson, Allie, one great grandchild Kairi and brother Carl Hett, of Columbus.

A visitation for family and friends for Miss Patsy will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 212 12th St, Columbus, Georgia 31901, followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to First Baptist Church Young Adult and Children's program or The Center at 909.