Mrs. Echols was born April 14, 1934 in Clay County, AL to the late Roston Pierce Mackey and Lois Freeman Mackey. Her family moved to LaGrange early in her life. While there she attended Hillcrest School and Hillcrest Methodist Church.

She dedicated her life to the medical field, first serving at Heard County Memorial Hospital for 4 years. Shen then moved to Forest Park, GA, where she worked for Dr. Albert Stone for 16 years. She finished her career working for Dr. Sam Thrower in LaGrange for 22 years. It was while living in LaGrange that she joined New Hope Baptist Church of LaGrange.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved fiancé, Needham Avery, one brother, James Mackey, and one sister, Juanita Heflin.

She is survived by one brother, Arnold Mackey, and one loving, devoted sister, Nell Traylor, who took care of her, both of LaGrange. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews: one special niece, who was like a daughter, Anita Heflin Guillory, and her husband, Lester, of Baytown, Texas; and two special nephews, who were always there for her, Stanley Traylor and Lee Traylor, both of LaGrange. The family also thanks four of her dearest friends: Dwayne and Gail Thrash, who were like a son and daughter; and Randy and Jeanette Terrell, who spent several years singing gospel music together.