Avis Kay Ridenhour

Avis Kay Goodson Ridenhour, affectionately known as Birdie, 78, passed away February 8, surrounded by loved ones. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Rob Evans officiating. Mrs. Ridenhour was a longtime resident of Greensboro, though she was proudly born and raised in Mount Olive, North Carolina. She never forgot her roots and humble upbringing in Duplin County, which remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.

She was the youngest of four daughters to Elmer Goodson and Bessie Mae Grady Goodson. A lifelong follower of Christ, she was raised in the church and began playing the piano there at an early age. The piano remained a constant in her life, a talent and passion she carried with her always. She graduated from Mount Olive High School in 1965 and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” She lived up to that standard.

She graduated the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1969 with degrees in music and piano performance. She went on to share her love of music as a teacher at Greensboro Day School, where she taught from 1973 until 1977. Through her time teaching, she found her biggest calling to be helping children in need. She continued her education at Wake Forest University School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate in 1981.

Mrs. Ridenhour devoted her legal career to advocating for children and families for over 40 years. Her leadership in Guardian ad Litem programs throughout Guilford and Davidson Counties transformed lives. Celebrated for her sharp mind, quick humor, and profound compassion, she inspired young attorneys to serve with integrity and excellence. Fiercely dedicated to protecting children in foster care, she served faithfully as an Attorney Advocate while sustaining her private practice.

A devoted member of Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years, Mrs. Ridenhour served as choir director and pianist for over a decade. She also shared her musical leadership as choir director at Glenwood Presbyterian Church in her later years. Guided by her steadfast faith and her remarkable musical talent, she created a lasting legacy in both congregations, touching countless lives through worship and song.

She is survived by her daughter, Chelsie Ridenhour of Greensboro; her three beloved grandchildren, Ryder, Porter, and Audrey Flowers; her nephew, Jeff Sasser of Mount Olive; and her great-niece and nephew, Tiffany Whaley Garner and Lee Sasser. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Frances, Nina, and Dorothy; her niece Janet Ward Black; and her beloved husband, Norman Ridenhour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following local organizations: Family Room Foster Care Resource Center (https://www.familyroomtriad.com/donations), The Music Academy of North Carolina (https://www.musicacademync.org/ways-to-give), and Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2614 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge, NC 27310.