Averett, Clyde Wesley

3/9/2010

Dec. 24, 1928 - March 9, 2010

Clyde Wesley Averett was born in West Monroe , Louisiana on December 24, 1928 to Ella Worley Averett and the late Clyde Clifton Averett. He was raised in rural Ouachita parish during the depression. For his mother, a widow with two small children, it was a daily struggle to support her family. Despite the challenges, her focus was teaching her children the importance of education, faith, self-reliance, hard work and helping those less fortunate. These early lessons remained with Clyde through out his life.

At the age of 16 he convinced his mother to sign enlistment papers so that he could serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She agreed on the condition that he would complete his high school education.

He kept his promise and completed his high school requirements while in the Navy. Upon discharge he attended Louisiana College , where he earned a bachelors' degree. It was during his time at college that he found his calling to the ministry. He continued his education at the Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans . He would earn both masters' and doctorate degrees in Theology.

In September 1952, Clyde 's seminary roommate, Ray Prager and Ray's fiancée, Mary, introduced him to Freida Tait of Jonesboro . Clyde and Freida were married in December 1954 and celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Clyde joined the Louisiana Methodist Conference in 1969 and served until his retirement in 1993. His appointments included, Broadmoor, Baton Rouge , Downsville, Bunkie, DeRidder, Jennings and Jonesboro . He came out of retirement to serve Barksdale as interim pastor in 1995. His last official duty as a minister, he performed the wedding of his oldest grand-daughter Aimee and her husband Matt Berniard.

In retirement Clyde enjoyed playing golf, fishing and traveling to Colorado to visit longtime friends, Mary and Ray. He was an avid reader whose favorite subjects were psychology, history, politics, and philosophy. He was a teacher who shared his knowledge through the ministry.

At times he was unconventional and non-conformist but always unwavering from his core values and beliefs. He had a quick wit and good sense of humor. He was unpretentious and never took him self too seriously. He was a loyal and devoted friend for life. He was a loving and protective husband, father and grandfather whose feelings were expressed by actions rather than words.

To honor his memory are his wife, Freida, two daughters, Susan Laube, Sarah Picou and their spouses, Brent and Doug. He has six grandchildren, Aimee Berniard, Carley and Samantha Picou, and Caroline, Matt and Ryan Laube. He also leaves behind his beloved little dog Molly.

We love you Daddy.

Source: Louisiana Conference Journal, 2010