Dr. Faye D. Avard, 89, born February 20, 1936 in Leakesville, Mississippi and passed away on June 23, 2025.  Faye, a devoted servant of God, beloved mother, educator, and advocate, passed away leaving behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to others. She lived a life rooted in faith, love for her family and friends, and a deep respect for all living creatures.

Faye grew up in the small town of Leakesville, Mississippi, on a family farm where she helped raise cows, chickens, vegetables, horses, and pigs. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of rural life, often riding her favorite horse, Beauty, bareback through the countryside with her loyal dogs, Chubby, Lady, and Beaver, faithfully by her side. At just 15 years old, after the passing of her mother, Faye was left to care for the farm. With courage and determination, she made the difficult decision to release the animals and leave the only home she had known to pursue her education and future.

She moved to Monroe, Louisiana, to live with her sister Ruth and attend college at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). Despite having only a nickel a day for bus fare and food, Faye’s resilience never wavered. She became the top majorette for the ULM marching band, a role that helped her pay for tuition and marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in education and leadership.

Faye earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1957 and her Master’s in 1967 from ULM. Her teaching journey began at Lee Junior High School, where she served for over 30 years, not only as an educator but also as a basketball coach and the first woman to drive a school bus in her district.

Her pursuit of excellence led her to earn a Doctorate in Physical Education and Recreation with an emphasis in Administration and Pedagogy from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1988. Her dissertation, a testament to her scholarly dedication, is published and archived at the Washington Library.

Faye’s teaching career spanned an extraordinary 57 years. She spent 31 years with Monroe City Schools, followed by 13 years as a professor at Grambling State University and 14 years at Mississippi Valley State University. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom through her involvement in numerous committees, boards, certifications, official presentations, and research initiatives. A staunch advocate for women’s rights and independence, she inspired generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Outside of her professional life, Faye found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. She loved gardening, attending church, riding horses, and playing sports—activities that reflected her vibrant spirit and active lifestyle. Her love for nature and animals was evident in her support for humane societies, shelters, and the Olympic movement.

Her generosity knew no bounds. Faye gave selflessly to her community, most notably securing a $5 million grant to establish Kilgore, a housing initiative for individuals with mental illness.

Dr. Faye Avard will be remembered for her boundless energy, her fierce intellect, and her heart full of grace. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the students she mentored, and the community she uplifted.

Faye was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Richard Arlen Tyler, Sr.; her second husband, Dr. Joseph Leroy Avard; parents, W.J. Davis and Magdelene Turner Davis; sister, Ruth Cooley; brothers, George “Pat” Davis and Jeff “Buck” Davis; and daughter, Richina Tyler Ardoin.

She is survived by her children, Richard Arlen Tyler, Jr. of Monroe, LA, Ashley Tyler Cleveland (Robert) of Monroe, LA and Chris j. Tyler (Amanda) of Monroe, LA; grandchildren, Tara Tyler Baker, Heather Grace Tyler and Allyson Marie Tyler; great-grandchildren, Ally Grace Baker and Brox Baker; sister, Margaret Moore of Chickasaw, Al; sister-in-law, Bev Davis; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Her pet family included Lily, Thomas, Keke, Jasper, Chloe and Pheobe.

Pallbearers will be Billy Moore, Vic Davis, Jim Holly and Mark Davis.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Gardens of Somerset and St. Joseph’s Hospice for their loving care of Faye.

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