Ava Renee Braziel

Ava Renee Braziel, a proud daughter of Reverend Samuel Elliot and Missionary Imogene Hunt Braziel, Ava was deeply rooted in her faith and community from an early age. Growing up in the church, she embraced a love for music, serving as a choir singer and piano player. She also shined as a fashion model during her youth,
but singing remained her truest passion. Throughout her life, Ava wore many hats-she was a skilled hairstylist and nail technician, and worked in various fields,
including housekeeping, as a prison chef, and a nursing home chef. No matter the role, Ava's joy came from meeting new people. She never met a stranger. Known for her generosity and warmth, she was the kind of person who would open her home to anyone in need-and often give the shirt off her back without hesitation.
Ava is survived by her three beloved children, Edwin Shurrod Hayes, Kendra Letitia Hayes, and Azzara Lenee Hayes; older brother, Ruben David Braziel, Sr.; older sister, Anna Loucille Jackson; five cherished grandchildren, Josiah Shurrod Haismail Fitts, Quynlyn Renee Hayes, Kemuel Xavier Seth Hayes, Zerric Dylan Thomas, and Kenneth Rashon Green III; eight treasured great-grandchildren, Zillah Guillermina Navala Fitts, Josiah Shurrod Domevlo Fitts, Zuri Ava Love Fitts, Legaci Jazelle Zo Fitts, Judah Haismail Fitts, Ariana Lenae Hayes, Kemuel Xavier Seth Hayes, Jr., and Kyziah Zaire Hayes; and her legacy also lives on through a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Ava believed firmly in the value and dignity of every person, often saying, "You are not better than anyone else, and no one is better than you." Her strength, compassion, and unshakable sense of equality touched everyone who had the blessing to know her.