On July 30, 2023, Ava Nell Sims Smith, affectionately known to her oldest friends and family as 'Maude,' delivered her final punchline here on Earth, marking the end of a life steeped in laughter, wisdom, and an eternal spirit. When the caregivers informed her children, "Your mother is very ill," they quipped in unison, "Oh, you don't know the half of it." as they shared the very same loving, joking nature of their mother.

Born to Clyde Clifton and Bessie Q. Sims on January 4, 1936, in Rector, Arkansas, Ava was a one-of-a-kind spirit; the mold was thankfully shattered right after her birth. While living in Rector, Ava's mother, Bessie, would lovingly pull her along on a cotton sack as she picked cotton, a memory later shared with Ava instilling the values of hard work and the importance of family.

At a young age, the Sims family relocated to Bridges, Missouri, where Ava's journey began alongside her big brother, JQ. Ava and JQ turned their humble upbringing in Bridges, Missouri into a joy-filled adventure, running barefoot in fields and swimming in creeks.

Tragically, her companionship in youthful mischief with JQ ended abruptly when he was killed in action serving as a U.S. Marine at Iwo Jima during WWII at just 19. Ava carried his memory throughout her life, keeping the flame alive with stories, and pride, and honoring his sacrifice by always proudly displaying the American flag on her front porch.

Never one to be outdone, Ava sported a larger-than-life personality, matched by an equally generous heart. A notorious tomboy as a child who'd "fight a circle saw" if necessary, and a relentless prankster, Ava was never shy about taking a stand.

As a teenager, she shared her love of stories and laughter with her best friend, Mary Katherine Rolwing whose comparable personality and friendship endured a lifetime. She was a Charleston Fighting Bluejay through and through, played varsity basketball, was a member of the glee club and pep squad, and was a cheerleader in the early 50s.

Ava's signature wit and fiery temperament were not limited to her youth. As an adult, she proudly upheld her faith, fiercely defended her children, even when they didn't deserve it, and remained a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Charleston.

Ava found her rock, her love, and her life partner in Russell J. Smith. Their romance kindled in 1952 at a cab stand in Charleston, blossoming into a life filled with shared laughter, hard work, and mutual respect.

At the age of 17, Russell asked for Ava's hand in marriage. They eloped to Corinth, Mississippi, a popular place to get married quickly in those days, and got hitched that very same day.

The newlyweds then traveled on down the road for a few more hours and stayed with Russell's oldest brother near Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The next day, they headed back north to Nashville, Tennessee for a Grand Ole Opry show at the Ryman Auditorium and continued on to Charleston to share the news of their union with the rest of their friends and family.

That same year, Russell got an opportunity to learn the burgeoning drywall trade so they up and moved to Chicago. With a little one in tow, one on the way, and barely any cash, they hunkered down through the Chicago winters in Des Plains, again with Russell's oldest brother and wife, in a 10' camper.

Not long after, they welcomed baby number two in Chicago and were making enough to get their own camper. And sure enough, just a couple of years later came child number three just before deciding to return to the balmy climate of Charleston.

Ava, the effervescent matriarch of a lively brood, and Russell, the calm, diligent provider, complemented each other perfectly. In their early marriage, they spent many evenings square dancing together and playing cards with friends. Later in life, they preferred the simplicity offered by a newspaper and a quiet sit in their easy chairs while the kids bustled in and out of the backdoor between football, basketball, and baseball games, band practice, dates, plays, and nighttime big block cruising.

Despite the rigorous demands of Russell's work schedule, he found solace and joy in Ava's vibrant spirit. They loved their adventures in Hawaii and weekends were reserved for cherished outings with their closest friends, Mary Katherine and Mark, Norma Jean and Buddy, and Byron and Dorothy. The group of six's dining escapades would see them touring around town, over to Sikeston for a steak, or trying a new diner in Cairo - howling in laughter the entire way.

A formidable mother of six and a dedicated daughter, Ava was a homemaker until 44 when she took her love for books to the Clara Drinkwater Newnam Library where her signature wit was an annual fixture each April Fool's Day.

On one unforgettable April Fool's Day, Ava convinced the entire staff that she was pregnant once again. Throughout the day, she feigned tears, keeping everyone on the hook until the moment of revelation. With a mischievous grin, she finally exclaimed, "April Fool's!" Her friends were left in stitches and beside themselves that they'd been tricked another year.

Ava's tenure at the library spanned more than a quarter of a century. Throughout this time, her unique blend of humor and wisdom resonated within the walls of the library, leaving indelible impressions on the minds of the local community.

After retiring, she couldn't resist the lure of bound pages and hushed laughter, returning part-time to the stacks to help keep everyone's spirits high. Those who had the privilege of working with her, such as Lucille, Sandra, Joe, Barbara, Cindy, Dixie, Stephanie, and many others, would vouch for her quick humor and contagious laugh.

From being a homemaker to becoming a beloved figure at the library, Ava's life journey was a testament to her adaptability and commitment. After her father's untimely passing from cancer, she stepped forward to care for her mother. And just a few years later, she suffered the immeasurable loss of her 2-year-old daughter, Jane Russell Smith.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 53 years, Russell Junior Smith, daughter, Jane Russell Smith, brother, JQ Sims, and parents, Clyde and Bessie Sims.

Survived by her children, Larry Russell Smith (Robin), Judy Kay Morehead (Stanley), Mickey Jay Smith (Pamela), Kathy Jo Browning (Jimmy), and Casey Sims Smith (Carolyn), Ava leaves behind a rich legacy of laughter and countless tales. These include her wild stories of mice waiting patiently by the back door for an opportunity to sneak inside and her infamous reputation as the "cat killer", an unintended consequence of her mishaps with the stray pets her children frequently brought home.

Ava is also survived by her grandchildren, Benjamin Morehead, Lauren Dewitt, Sam Morehead, Lindsay Amick, Jarryd Smith, Brittany Fitzgerald, Russell Smith, Ethan Browning, and Laura Reed Smith. Each of them cherished the memories of having their butts powdered blue after bathtime, stealing her vanilla wafers, waking to Granny's infamous cinnamon toast, and eagerly awaiting her pithy Facebook replies.

But most of all, her children, grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren loved how she would sing along with her favorite gospel songs, usually belted out by her favorite artist Elvis Presley; "How Great Thou Art", "Peace In the Valley", "You'll Never Walk Alone", and her husband Russell's all-time favorite, "Amazing Grace".

Ava's passing has left a void in the hearts of all those she touched, and her exuberant nature continues to resonate. She would want us not to mourn but instead listen to "Send In The Clowns", share a hearty laugh in her honor, and extend that warmth and goodwill to others.

If you feel moved to do so, please consider donating to the Clara Drinkwater Newnam Library or helping a neighbor in need. Ava believed that our actions create the most enduring tributes.

Join us to celebrate Ava's remarkable life on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Charleston Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 12-1 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1 o'clock. Come prepared for a symphony of shared memories and laughter as loud and wonderful as Ava herself.

A private family interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.