Donald Britt Averett, Sr. was called home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. He was 84 years old. He was born on May 8, 1939 in Columbus, Georgia to Enoch James Averett and Norman "Baby" Averett. At age 4 he moved to East Elmhurst, New York with his parents and brother, Leonard.

He attended the School of Industrial Art in New York.He began a career as a commercial artist and worked for an advertising firm in New York City for 30 years. He also had a side gig as a model for Empire Sports catalog. After the advertising business closed in 1989, he later worked for the New York City Transit Authority then drove a school bus. He later retired and relocated to Deltona, Florida.

In 1959, Donald met Garnett Darleen Townsend at a Christmas party and he knew, from the moment he met her, that she would become his wife. On October 6, 1962, they were wed in Freeport, New York. From this union they had three wonderful sons Donald Britt Jr., Darren
James, and Anthony Troy. The family lived in East Elmhurst, New York until 1969 when they moved to Laurelton, Queens. During the next 34 years in Laurelton, he raised his family and saw his children graduate from school, get married and have children of their own.

Don was extremely athletic in several sports including Basketball, Paddleball, Softball, and Bowling. Due to his athletic skills his fellow sports mates nicknamed him by many names including Flash, Swivel, and Luce. Over the years he collected many trophies from playing
Basketball, Bowling and Softball. He later became involved as a coach in a local community sports program called Hollis Biddies where he mentored youth in both the game of basketball and in life skills. Don also, as an artist, designed the logo for the Hollis Biddies organization.

Don was a very traditional and spiritual individual. As a husband he was an excellent provider who always made sure family needs were met. As a father he was dedicated to raising his sons with good values including honesty, integrity, and being a solid family man. He led by example. Dad would always have a nickname for us and everyone in the family including his daughters-in-law and his grandchildren. And they were all
proud of the names he gave them. People who knew him would think him very serious until they got to know him. They soon realized he was a jokester who could turn any situation into a comedic moment. He loved to see people laugh. He treated people with respect and elicited
the same. He occasionally shared historical stories of his life as a young man, and the racial conflicts he witnessed. Despite what he saw he would encourage his children and others to be proud of who God created them to be.

On behalf of the family, we believe that it is alright to miss a person like Don. We ask that you take more time to reflect on his transition into the kingdom of Heaven. Let us honor his life's journey, remember his words and the integrity of his character.

He is survived by his wife Garnett; his sons Darren and Anthony (Troy); daughters (in-law) Margarita and Brenda; brother William and sister-in-law Nora; grandchildren Tameka, Donald III, & Jonathan, Whitney; Courtney, Justin, Anthony Jr. (TJ), Michael & Brianna; great-grandchildren Keren, Ezekiel, and Eliana; in-laws Jesse, Tina, Mabel, Erma, Deloris, & Ronald. Nieces and nephews including Carl, J.C., Rhonda, Dorelle, Stephanie, Michael, Tanya, Germaine, Deighton, and Lonyetta (Yae Yae). Adoptive grandchildren Kirk, Candice, Akil, Jawara, Naphtali, Rasheedy, Monifa. Close friends Henry & Dee Ellison, Gloria Edwards, Beresford & Angela McDonald, Jean Harris, Tom & Kathy Snowburger, Reuben & Lisa Colon, and many others.

Don was preceded in death by: Don Jr. (son), Leonard & Ronald (brothers), Lonnie (brother-in-law), Jerry (nephew).