Mary Linda Avakian

Mary Linda Avakian of Spartanburg, SC, widow of Richard Douglas Avakian, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at the age of 77. She was born in High Point, NC on May 18, 1947 to the late Ralph and Ruby Taylor Smith. 

Mary loved the small beauties of the world around her. She enjoyed food, music, and books, taking small trips to the beach and the mountains, and going on walks to see the flowers and birds around her. She was a devoted Christian woman and member of El Bethel United Methodist Church. Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind her children, Daniel Shamp (Dana) and Kimberly Sherbert; grandchildren, Victoria Perry (Steven), Kayla Alquran (Maan), Alexander Shamp, and Heather Abbott (Justin); great-grandchildren, John Alquran, Layla Alquran, and William Perry; and siblings, Johnny Smith (Belinda), Rollie Smith (Jeanette), and Kay Greene. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Michael Sherbert; siblings, Pat Dillard (Paul), Judy Snyder (Jimmy), and Carroll Taylor; and brother-in-law, Alvin Greene.

Graveside services will be 2:00pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery, conducted by Rev. Jack Caldwell.

In memory of Mary, contributions may be made to El Bethel United Methodist Church, 820 S. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.