EMPORIA—Ada Belle Newsome Avent, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Southampton Memorial Hospital. Born in Greensville County, VA, she was the daughter of Lottie Bradley Newsome and Joseph Newsome. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her Lord, her family and her friends very much. Ada spent most of her life in Southampton County.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 71 years, Arthur E. Avent, Sr, a daughter, Dot A. Griffith (Ken), son, Art E Avent, Jr. (Patsy), and daughter, Diane A. Seward (Wilson), and a special family friend, Marie J. Carter (Bill). Also left to cherish her memory are her 7 grandchildren-Stacy A. Young (Michael), Christy A. Powell (Tom), Kimberly A. Wyngaard (Todd) , Patty A. Wyngaard (Peter), Stephanie S. Rose (Randy), Stephen Seward (Pamela), Dee Pollard Greene (Kevin). These grandchildren blessed her with 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom called her Nana: The Youngs: Timothy, Zachary, Benjamin, Hannah; The Powells: Tyler, Madisen, Ryland, Blakely, Joshua; The Todd Wyngaards: Jacob, Gracie, Kyndall Rose, Kyle; The Peter Wyngaards: Makena, Ike, Edy Rose; Roses: Kelsey, Nick; Greenes: Kaylee, Marshall, and Garrison. Her special family also includes Greg Sledge (Barbara), Frances Sledge, Randy Woodruff (Faye), and Albert Delbridge, Jr. (Rebecca).

Ada is survived by one brother, Raymond Newsome (Sylvia), two sisters: Edith Roughton, Bessie Cooper (Arnold), She was deceased by her brothers: Robert Newsome, Junior Newsome, Thamar Newsome, Sisters: Sarah Cooper, Annie Woodruff, Laura Smith.

Ada loved her husband’s family too. They consisted of the families of Leroy Avent, Louise Delbridge, Virgina Belle Newsome, Alice Everett, Rosaleen Pollard, Irvin Avent. Ada is survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

Ada loved to cook and never went lacking for someone to feed: from family members to friends, to church members to preachers and their wives. Being a true Baptist she prepared many meals to take to church and other functions.

She joined Adams Grove Baptist Church in 1940 and served the Lord in many capacities during these years.

We would also love to thank the staff at Courtland Healthcare for the love and care given Mrs. Avent while she was there. You certainly made her last years as best they could be and made her feel loved. Our thanks also go to Southampton Memorial Hospital for the kindness extended during Ada’s 2-week stay.

Arrangements are by Owens Funeral Home, Jarratt, VA. The funeral will be held 2:00 pm Monday, May 14, 2012 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd. in Jarratt, VA. Visitation will be held just prior to the funeral (from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm). Burial will be in the Capron Cemetery, Capron, VA. At other times the family will be at the home of Dot and Ken Griffith, 26238 Wills Circle, Courtland, VA.

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice or Adams Grove Baptist Church in memory of Ada Avent. Flowers are also welcomed.