Marguerite Avant

Marguerite Avant was born October 9, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Mattie Bradshaw Avant and Thomas Avant Sr. Marguerite overcame Polio as a child and was able to live a long and very active life. She graduated from North High School in Des Moines. Marguerite married John D. Calhoun II and gave birth to one son, John D. Calhoun III in 1951.

Marguerite worked for the Riverfront YMCA and Wellmark YMCA in multiple positions for over 50 years. She continued to work into her 90’s. She enjoyed swimming and aquatic exercise. She was an avid card player. Marguerite was a long-time member of Corinthian Baptist Church and also attended St. Paul AME Church. In August of 2018, Marguerite moved to Oklahoma to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marguerite’s life was extended to 95+ years. She passed from this life on Sunday, December 23, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Mattie Bradshaw Avant and Thomas Avant Sr.; siblings, Thomas Avant, Arthur Avant, Donald Avant Sr., Lucille Cox, Ellaree Clinton-Taylor, Dorothy Avant-Taylor; son, John D. Calhoun III; and great-granddaughter, Paige Mae Calhoun.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marie Avant of Saylorville, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Patricia L. Calhoun of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Tracy Eugene Calhoun of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Christina Marie Hayes (Ricky Hayes) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Anthony Thomas Calhoun Sr. (Patricia A. Calhoun) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; a very special great-nephew, William Jason Clinton of Des Moines, Iowa and a host of other relatives and friends.

Marguerite was well loved by her family and friends. She had a gift of making people feel loved and welcomed. She will be missed and our memories with her will be cherished.