The Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana has adopted a resolution expressing heartfelt condolences on the passing of Avis Delores Baker White, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, who died on May 19, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on June 5, 1927, Avis was an accomplished individual, graduating from McKinley High School at just fifteen and later becoming the Southern University Homecoming Queen in 1946-47. She dedicated over three decades to education in East Baton Rouge Parish, teaching at Scott Street Elementary and McKinley High School, and played a pivotal role in integrating African-American students into the workforce during her tenure as the Distributive Education Coordinator in the 1970s.

Avis was also actively involved in her community and politics, serving the Louisiana Democratic Party and running for the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. A devoted Christian, she was a member of Living Faith Christian Center and New St. John Baptist Church. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living Southern University Homecoming Queen and held various leadership positions in organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends who will remember her legacy of integrity, educational access, faith, and family. The resolution concludes with a directive to transmit a copy to her family.