Ava Crumpler Spence

Ava Jean Crumpler Spence, age 83, Passed away Friday, October 3, 2025. Ava was born in Johnston County on February 24, 1942, to the late James D. and Gladys Woodard Crumpler. Ava grew up in Archer Lodge, North Carolina, alongside her two brothers and three sisters. During her high school years, she met the love of her life, Waylon, who was then serving in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The two began dating in August 1960 and were married on March 4, 1961. They welcomed their first daughter on January 4, 1962.

After Waylon completed his military service and began his career in the grocery business, Ava dedicated herself to raising their three children and building a warm, loving home. Together, they built the family residence in Clayton, where Ava would reside for 58 years.

A devoted member of her church and community, Ava served with the Junior Women’s Club and, alongside her dear friend Duba Coats, founded the Special Needs Committee at First Baptist Church of Clayton to support families of deceased members.

Life forever changed for Ava and Waylon on December 29, 1976, with the passing of their firstborn, Kimberly Dale Spence, along with four other teenagers from First Baptist Church and Clayton High School. In the wake of this tragedy, Ava and Waylon leaned deeply into their faith and church family for strength and healing.

Ava found joy in painting and floral design, but her greatest peace came when Waylon built her a barn and introduced her to raising purebred goats—each lovingly named after a family member. Together, they traveled across and beyond the state to participate in goat shows, earning numerous ribbons and several Grand Champion titles. Family trips to Harkers Island, where they had converted an old store into a cherished beach house, and visits to the North Carolina mountains with extended family created treasured memories for years to come.

In 1984, after many years of styling hair for friends and family, Ava attended Mitchell’s Hairstyling Academy, graduating in 1985. Waylon transformed their former garage into “Ava’s Hairstyling,” where she worked for many years before retiring.

Following Waylon’s passing after 41 years of marriage, Ava embraced travel with her close friends. With her dear friend Debbie Brown, she visited New York, Paris, and the Netherlands—always making time to enjoy tea in every destination and adding to her beloved collection of teapots and teacups.

In 2005, during one of her many visits to Bojangles with her friend Tilly Bradley, Ava met her ‘forever friend’, Linwood Wall. Together, they shared a love of the outdoors—hunting, climbing deer stands, riding four-wheelers, and spending many happy days in Wallace, North Carolina. Their companionship continued until Linwood’s passing in 2019.

Ava deeply loved her children, took immense pride in her five granddaughters, and found her greatest joy in her ten great-grandchildren. She delighted in every celebration—birthdays, graduations, weddings, and holidays—but Christmas held a special place in her heart. She loved gift-giving and, in later years, enjoyed watching QVC to find just the right presents for her loved ones. As her health declined, Ava found comfort in frequent calls and visits from family and friends, cherishing every moment of connection.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Whitley (David) of Clayton, son, Donovan Spence (Lisa Theall) of Clayton, a brother, Ron Crumpler of Bella Vista, AR and a sister-In-law, Brenda Stephenson of Willow Spring, grandchildren, Maghan Pritt (Donald) of Bunnlevel

Hollie Williams (Brady) of Holly Springs , Blythe Benson (Brett) of Smithfield

Ivy Averitte (Hunter) of Benson, Kamdyn Warren (Jordan) of Benson and Zakk Theall of Clayton.

Great grandchildren, Cassidy Williams, Payton Pritt, Harper Benson, Ellie Williams, Emmett Benson, River Pritt, Miller Benson, Sage Averitte, Brooks Warren and Carter Benson. Numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ava is preceded in death by her husband, Waylon Spence, a daughter, Kimberly Spence, sister-in-law, Driscoll Crumpler; her sisters, Janice Dandridge, Ann Andrews, Connie Hight, and a brother, Wiley Crumpler; brothers-in-law, Willard Andrews and Jimmy Hight.

A funeral service celebrating Ava’s life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Clayton. The family will receive friends on Thursday afternoon prior to the service from 4:30 until 6:30. A private committal service will follow on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of one’s choice or to the Organ Fund at First Baptist Church in Clayton, in honor of Ava’s enduring faith and love for her church community. Serving as pallbearers are Donald Pritt, Jordan Warren, Brett Benson, Brady Williams, Hunter Averitte and Zakk Theall.