Ava H Rozelle

Rev. Ava Harrison Rozelle, 73, of Lincoln, Alabama, passed away in the early hours of March 27, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Harrison and Alma Jean Harrison. She is survived by her husband, Hal Rozelle; her children Rebecca Rozelle-Stone (Lucian Stone), Jessica Rozelle Loch, and Ryan Rozelle; her grandchildren Norah Jean Loch and Samuel Harrison Loch; her two brothers Steve Harrison (Genia) and Phillip Harrison (Anne). She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, on June 24, 1950, to Edward E. Harrison and Alma Jean Bryant Harrison who lovingly raised Ava and later, her two younger brothers in Dry Valley. Ava grew up on the family farm raising chickens and helping her parents in their bountiful gardens. As a child, she was known for being serious about her school work, losing herself in a good book, and being very expressive.

Ava graduated high school from Anniston Academy (now Donoho) and went on to pursue her undergraduate studies at Auburn University for Family & Child Development. She ultimately earned her BA in Social Work from University of Montevallo (1973). Following that, she completed her Master of Social Work at University of Alabama (1975) and years later, responding to a call to ministry, she earned her Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1991). She worked for over two decades with the Alabama Department of Public Health, serving in various capacities, like overseeing the social work program for eleven counties, developing the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and directing the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Branch. In 2004, Ava was awarded the Lifetime Achievement for Social Work (Coosa Valley Unit). At the time of her passing, she was a licensed local pastor, serving as Associate Pastor of Pell City First United Methodist Church, having primary responsibility for congregational care and offering support to those who are nearing end of life. She also facilitated a grief support group. She was passionate about this church, her “second family”, dedicating much of her time and energy to leading a Sunday school class and caring for her fellow congregants.

Ava met Hal Rozelle at a Lincoln High School football game, eventually marrying on September 12, 1970, at Lincoln United Methodist Church. Together, they raised three children on their cattle and chicken farm in Lincoln. More recently, Ava loved being a grandmother to Norah and Sam, often attending their soccer games and band concerts. Ava was known for loving home grown tomato sandwiches, being a Willie Nelson fan, cherishing the ability to use the “good” china at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and visiting people in the community during times of need. She will be remembered for her commitment to social justice causes and her advocacy for the marginalized.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 30, with visitation beginning at 2:00-4:00 pm in the Beacon at First United Methodist Church, Pell City, and the funeral at 4:00 pm in the main sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Ava Harrison Rozelle Endowment at First United Methodist Church, Pell City. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.kilgroefh.com