A memorial celebration for Jacqueline Avant will be held after the holidays, the family has announced. In the meantime, the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund has been set up for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts.

Avant, the wife of Clarence Avant, was killed during a home invasion on 12/1.

The announcement reads as follows:

The entire Avant and Sarandos families wish to thank you for the heartfelt condolences over the loss of our beloved Jacquie. We feel incredibly blessed to have received the support, kindness and prayers over the last week.

As many have inquired, we have arranged the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts, per Jacquie's wishes. More information and a donation section can be found on the MLK Health and Wellness Development Corporation website.

The outpouring of love and support from around the globe has been felt and appreciated by all of us. We ask that you please allow us some time and space to grieve as a family and continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We thank you in advance for respecting our privacy during this difficult time.

Plans for Jacquie’s memorial celebration shall be forthcoming after the holidays. We appreciate your continued well wishes and prayers and wish all of you a very blessed holiday season.

With love and gratitude,

The Avant and Sarandos Families