James Alexander Avent “Alex serves as a funeral associate with William Toney’s Funeral Home. He was born June 6, 1954 in Nash County, NC. He attended Nash Rocky Mount Schools and Winston Salem State University, and graduated from North Caroline Weslyan College with a degree in Food Services and Hospitality Management with a minor in Business. Alex is married to Joyce Speight Avent, and they have five children and seven grandchildren. Alex attends Fellowship Church in Nashville, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Divinity, and later a Doctorate in Divinity. Mr. Avent is an avid community member. In addition to work in his church, he mentors male students and is currently a business education teacher with the Franklin County School System, along with many other duties through out the county.