Ava Rose Lightsey

Ava Rose Strickland Lightsey, 46, of Raybon Community of Nahunta, died Saturday, February 26, 2011 at her residence. Funeral services will be held 11AM Tuesday, March 2, 2011 At First Baptist Church of Brunswick with Rev. Thomas McMillan, William “Chip” Strickland officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Hickox, GA with Kent Thomas, Kirk Thomas, Chuck McMonigle, Curtis Tumlin, Chad Bass and Eric Raulerson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Brantley Telephone Company Employees and adult choir of First Baptist Church Brunswick.

Born January 6, 1965 in Bibb County, Georgia to Dr. Avery W. and Rosemary S. Strickland, she was an accounting clerk with Brantley Telephone Company. Mrs. Lightsey was a graduate of Glynn Academy Class of 1983 and attended Coastal Georgia Community College LPN program where she received her nursing certificate. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Brunswick and the adult choir. Ava traveled extensively throughout the world and especially Alaska. She supported many local and national foundations and charities and had a special interest in helping needy children and assisting other obtain college degrees. Her lifelong example was that hard work, kindness and charity makes one successful. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Avery and Lena Strickland and Charlie and Myrtis Smith.

Survivors include her husband of 22 and one half years, Joseph Lightsey of Nahunta, her parents Dr. Avery Wade Strickland and Rosemary S. Strickland of Brunswick, two brothers Donovan Strickland and wife Pam, Dr. Darrin Strickland and wife Alisa, one sister, Leah Hickox and husband Landon all of Brunswick, two nephews, Chas Strickland and Avery Strickland, and three nieces, Alaina Strickland, Madi Franklin and Abby Hickox.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), Epilepsy Foundation of America, Medical College of Georgia, or Pancreatic Cancer Network (pancan.org). Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com