Birth Date: 10/10/1930
Deceased Date: 04/26/2021
Ava Broadwell, a 90 year old life-long resident of Selma, passed away peacefully April 26 at Smithfield SECU Hospice. Ava was the daughter of L.O. and Maude Moore Davis of Selma. She is survived by her two wonderful sisters: Jean D. Newell of Roxboro, NC and Frances D. Clark of Greenville, NC.
Ava was a loving and devoted wife who was married to R.O. (Dicky) Broadwell of Selma. Her husband of 70 years preceded her in death. She was a devoted and loving mother to five children: R.O. (Rick) Broadwell III and wife Mary of Sparta, NC., Jim Broadwell and wife Cynthia of Clayton, Bart and wife Kathy Broadwell of Grantham, Joey and wife Janie Broadwell of Angier and Amy Broadwell Taylor and husband Neil of Cary, NC.
She adored her 9 grandchildren: Hunter Broadwell and wife Jennifer of Wilmington, NC, Megan Jordan and husband Andrew of Portland, Oregon, Rob Broadwell of Mexico, Maggie and husband Neil Kern of Charlotte, Jessica and husband Tim Crooks of Fuquay, Lauren Broadwell of Charlotte, Morgan Broadwell of Angier, Will Broadwell of Grantham, and Katlyn and husband Kyle Riddle of Rocky Mount, NC.
The adored great grandchildren include Ava and Jack Broadwell of Wilmington, Millie and Margot Crooks of Fuquay, and Lincoln Kern of Charlotte.
Ava’s family has been in Selma for about 100 years. She was first and foremost a wonderful mother. When her children were grown, she obtained her elementary teaching license and graduated summa cum laude from Campbell University. She retired after 17 years with Selma Elementary School. She taught both in Kindergarten and in 2nd grade. It was not uncommon for past students to greet her in the community to announce that she was their favorite teacher.
She attended Selma Baptist from infancy to adulthood. Six generations of her family attended Selma Baptist. She enjoyed many years of service including serving on the Pastoral Search Committee, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and working on the Hospitality Committee. She also enjoyed being a member of the Selma Book Club.
The graveside service will be at the Selma Memorial Gardens Mausoleum on Thursday, April 29 at 2:00 pm. Family will gather within the building but friends are also invited to gather. The visitation will be at the graveside after the service.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be given to: SHRINERS CHILDRENS HOSPITAL at HTTPS//donate.lovetotherescue.org
