Mrs. Bessie Starr Avery age 93 of Riverdale, passed away September 4, 2016. Mrs. Avery was a member of God's Way Baptist Tabernacle in Griffin. She was preceded in death by husband: James W. Avery and daughter in law: Brenda Avery. She is survived by children: Toney W. Avery of Jonesboro, Larry and Joan Avery of Riverdale, and Lynn Walker of Ellenwood; 2 grandchildren: Terrie Cox and Nicole Hamrick; 6 great grandchildren: Jennifer Parrott, Bryant Hamrick, Cody Hamrick, Katie Hamrick, Hannah Hamrick, and Rebekah Hamrick; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, September 7, 2016 in the Chapel of Ford Stewart Funeral Home with Dr. Travis Cooke and Dr. E.C. Chatham officiating. Burial to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Decatur. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM, Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to God's Way Baptist Tabernacle - Building Fund, 4212 Old Atlanta Road Griffin, GA 30223. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge 770-210-2700. www.fordstewartfuneralhome.com