Marlon "Tony" Antone Avery, 47, transitioned from this life into eternal rest with the Lord, on August 11, 2018 in Springfield Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 21, 1970 Marlon was the son of Ms. Marlene Avery and Mr. Darryl Evans. A lifelong resident of Springfield, Ohio, Marlon was a graduate of the Springfield City Schools. He was employed at McKinley Hall as a Criminal Justice Case Manager over the past year and was previously employed for 7 years at the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Marlon earned his license as an apprentice in dry walling and he was a proud member of the Champion Lodge #15 and Prince Hall, Free and Accepted Masons of Springfield, Ohio. Marlon believed in working hard and he believed in family. He and his devoted wife, Fanta were married for 21 years and Tony and Fanta shared 4 beautiful children, Cierra, Yvonnta, Montavio and Mysa'n Avery. Marlon accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Hightlight Baptist Church. Marlon was an avid fisherman and hunter who also spent many hours in his back yard sharpening his skills in archery. Tony also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. There are many wonderful attributes that Marlon will be remembered by, but one thing that was unmistakable about him was his love for his family and others. He was truly a "people person". He was not just someone who enjoyed being around people, Marlon enjoyed helping others and left his "unforgettable impression" on the lives of the many people he came into contact with. His favorite past time was spending time with his family and friends, especially his wife and children. Most recently, Marlon could be found showing off his one year old granddaughter, Emilia, who affectionately called him "Poppa". Many cousins remembered Tony as "the only person I knew who was the same all the time". He had an open mind and he always listened to both sides of the story. I never saw him fold under pressure. Marlon was preceded in death by his father, Darryl Evans; brother, Monty Avery; maternal grandparents, Roger and Pearl Avery; paternal grandparents, Ester and Trimble Evans; uncle, Melvin (Red) Avery and sister-in-law, Yvonne Armstrong. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Fanta; daughter, Cierra; sons, Yvonnta, Montavio and Mysa'n Avery; granddaughter, Emilia Armstrong; mother, Marlene Avery; brother, Suluki Evans; sister, Natasha (Steve) Johnson; step-brothers, Azratzh Holland, Deandre Holland and Nalquin Coleman; aunts, Terri (Lawrence) Strodes, Patricia Evans, Beth Evans and two special aunts, Madrith "Cakie" Avery (Donnie Rushing) and Toni Beard; uncles, Mario Avery and Mark Evans; father-in-law, Richard (Mary) Armstrong; mother-in-law, Luann Skaggs; special friend, Aretha Crockran; his special Tennessee family along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There are too many to name, but T.A. will sorely missed by the many people he loved like they were his "sisters and brothers".

Ferncliff Cemetery

501 West McCreight Avenue Springfield, OH, 45504