Search by Name

Search by Name

Ava Kendall Obituary

Ava Frances Kendall, 6, died Saturday, April 9, 2011, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A memorial service will he held Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.
Ava was a kindergarten student at Parrott Academy. She was everybody's sunshine. She never had a bad day and loved playing with her three brothers, who she adored as they did her. Her favorite color was pink and she especially enjoyed doing art work. She had recently learned to ride her bike without training wheels and was learning how to hit a baseball. An unofficial cheerleader at Parrot, she loved to dance. She also loved the beach and playing with her four dogs. She was looking forward to her birthday in October at the Wolf Lodge.
Ava was very outgoing and brought out the best in others. She awoke each day with a smile and was looking forward to doing it all.
Surviving are her parents, Kenny and Gretchen Kendall; brothers, Zachary, Holt and Chauncey; paternal grandparents, James and Jacqueline Kendall of Charlotte; maternal grandmother, Peggy Kneib of Morehead City; aunts and uncles, Kimberly and David Stone of Charlotte and Erica Hardison of Morehead City; great-grandfather, James Marsh of Morehead City; and an extended loving family of cousins.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Parrott Academy, P. O. Box 1297, Kinston, NC 28503.
Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ava Kendall

Sponsored by Drury Armistead.

Not sure what to say?





Farmville North Carolina

April 15, 2011

Sometimes God sends his Angels here on loan for a time to do His work. Ava was one of them. She loved to learn her scriptures for AWANA and also so excited to get her awards. But her greatest award is Heaven. If we believe in our hearts the Lord Jesus Christ and confess with out mouths that He is Lord we can rejoice one day in Heaven with Ava. Have fun with the Angels AVA.

April 15, 2011

To Ava's family,
Your little girl was so special. Sometimes God loans us His angels so they can do work for Him on earth. To be with her in Heaven, we need to know that if we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved. Ava loved to learn her scriptures for AWANA and to receive her awards. But her greatest reward is Heaven. Ava, we hope to see you again soon. A Friend.

April 15, 2011

Bryant Lee Cox, my son, said "I do not know what to say to Chauncey". Bryant Lee and your son are in 6th grade together. Please know that your family is in our prayers.

Teresa Schultz

April 15, 2011

I WILL TAKE SMALL STEPS...JUST ONE. In my mind's eye, perhaps I can see my loved one nodding in encouragement---"Yes. Go on. You can. I AM WITH YOU." May you have the ability to endure and the strength of all blessings being sent your way.

April 13, 2011

dr.Kendall and gretchen sorry to hear about the passing of your precious angel about 9 months ago you both help my lil girl bring her lil girl into this world with so much love and understanding and we were truly saddened to learn of ava's passing all my daughter kept saying was how she remembered gretchen saying over and over what a precious gift ava was and that there was nothing like having a lil girl although she loved her boys ava was special now she will be special to all in heaven and light the way with that beautiful smile that has been seen throughout the past few days all over the news we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers may god be with you and give you the strength you need to get through these horrible times

Albie Selleck

April 13, 2011

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Gretchen, Kenny and family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanne Wagner

April 13, 2011

I was a childhood neighbor of Mickey, Mike, Pat & Peggy (Ava's grandmother) in Mitchell Village in Morehead City. The Marsh family is wonderful! Knowing that beautiful innocent Ava is from this fine family profoundly saddens many. My heart aches because this family's heart is broken in 4 generations. Especially to Ava's immediate family, I am thinking about you constantly and praying that there will be some relief or numbness for your suffering in the many days ahead. Rely on God to comfort you. We can not understand this. I am deeply sorry and I just wanted to say how very much I care.

April 13, 2011

Kenny, I just found out about your sweet Ava. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts & prayers and in those of many of your old friends. Love,
Sally Smith

April 13, 2011

Very sorry for your loss

Jewell Langston

April 13, 2011

We have never met but we have a common bond-the loss of a precious daughter. There are no words that can be spoken to ease your heartache. I make it through each day leaning on that blessed assurance of knowing that my daughter like yours is in Heaven anticipating the reunion when we will all be together again. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dawn Daughety Jones

April 13, 2011

Gretchen,
I am remembering you and your family with deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. Praying the Lord will give you all a comfort and peace that only he can provide.

JACKIE JOYNER

April 13, 2011

GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY...
JACKIE NEW HAVEN CT

Pamela Jackson

April 13, 2011

To the Kendall im so sorry for you loss I didnt know her personally but her pictures shows a beautiful little girl. May God bless you and the family at this time

Cheryl Parrish

April 13, 2011

To the Kendall Family,
I do not know the family but I wanted you to know that your beautiful angel Ava has been on my mind since I heard about this tragedy. May God give you the strength you need to move forward. Cherish the memories of Ava and know that she is watching over all of you. God Bless your family.I am praying for you.

Shea Byrd

April 13, 2011

Ms. Peggy, Erica and the Kendall Family-
Please know that we will be thinking about you and your family during this time. May the memories of her beautiful smile comfort you and may her love shine down on you always. God Bless you and your family- Love, Jamie, Shea, Logan and Taylor Byrd

Amy Taylor

April 13, 2011

With deepest sympathy. May God give you comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead.

Edna Williams

April 13, 2011

Dr. Kendall
So sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. May God give you and your family the peace and comfort during this difficult time and even in the days to come

Bonita Barfield

April 13, 2011

Your family is in our prayers. We didn't have the opportunity of knowing Ava, but we know she was a special little girl from all the articles we have read. May God's love and peace comfort your hearts....Bobby & Bonita Barfield

Amanda Nicita

April 12, 2011

I am not there

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the snow on the mountain's rim,
I am the laughter in children's eyes,
I am the sand at the water's edge,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumn rain,
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the star that shines at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Author Unknown

Amy Searcy

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I had heard about it on television, but just found out that it was your daughter. I cannot even imagine the pain you and your family must be experiencing. Praying for you and your family.

Cindy, Wesley (&Caroline) Asbell

April 12, 2011

My daughter was so fortunate to be in Ava's class at Greenhouse a few years back and she still remembers her. She has a lot of questions but she confirms my belief that Ava is an angel, as she was on earth. We are having a hard time processing all of this but please know that we are praying for you every night and our hearts are so heavy for/with you.

Deborah Martin

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall and Family. You are in my prayers. May God be with you and comfort you in your time of loss.

J Nicole Starke

April 12, 2011

Your family is in my prayers. God bless you all.

Heather Banks

April 12, 2011

Gretchen and Kendall,
I have no words of comfort, I can not imagine the pain. We were pregnant together(I was the OTA in the NICU) We were both so excited about our girls. I remember when we both told the names of our girls, Emma and Ava. They then attended the same daycare. Emma loves Ava. I say loves because anytime you meet someone as special as Ava their heart "prints" are always with you. I remember the Birthday parties they celebrated. Putting on tutus and coming down the stairs giggling. Please remember those times as I have tears as I remember but also calm. I can only wish you and Kendall love and peace.Lots of love from Emma Banks.

Cheryl Sasnett Fields

April 12, 2011

To the Kendall Family,
I just wanted to let you know that I read about Ava and am heartbroken for you. I don't know you personally but God does. I pray that you feel his love and mercy during this difficult time.

Ava at the beach

Karen Doody

April 12, 2011

As a neighbor to Ava's grandmother, I was fortunate to meet her when I photographed her family at the beach. She practically radiated joy and light and I will hold that fun day in heart to remember her. I hope the Kendall family will find peace in their hearts soon.

Warnetta Shelton

April 12, 2011

My prayers go out to the Kendall Family, may God give you the strength to weather this storm.

Cate and Fred Beavis

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall,
You are your family are truly in our prayers during this time.May you feel the embrace of HIS love and peace around you to give you strength.

field trip

April 12, 2011

my name is catherine. my brother and i would play with Ava, the little angel, during our basketball games at school. we used to play with her. we are going to miss her. from the denton family to the Kendall's, God Bless you

Dorothy Satchwell

April 12, 2011

I do not know the family, but my heart goes out to the you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, may God grant you the strength to go through this sad time.

Herman Stone Family

April 12, 2011

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Anne Law

April 12, 2011

To the Kendall Family I am so truly saddened by your loss. I understand exactly what you may be going through. My husband & i lost a daughter,Sara Anne Law back in March 1995 & it is a terrible thing that no parent ever wants to experience. If you ever want to talk please call me anytime @ 756-7110.

David Williams

April 12, 2011

Kenny, Lat told me about this today. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of many of your old friends

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall and Family
Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your precious little girl. I will also keep you in prayer that God will grant you peace as you go through the next days, weeks and months. May your memories of this special child help you to deal with the hurt you are now feeling.

Wilma Speights

Judy Hamrick

April 12, 2011

To the Kendall family. My name is Judy Hamrick. i live in Rocky Mount. Since hearing of your sorrow, I have had you in my heart. I am praying for grace, peace, and rest for you. "Bear ye one another's burden," is a portion of a verse in the Bible. I trust God will place some of your burden on those who have you in their heart. May God be near you and give you peace. Praying for you.

Lat & Debby Williams

April 12, 2011

Kenny, George told me about this, and we just wanted to express our sorrow at the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Tami manning

April 12, 2011

I do not know the family,but my heart aches so bad for them.I have 5 children and couldn't imagine how feeling the pain this family is right now.

Michelle Boyette Pelletier & Famly

April 12, 2011

Gretchen and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You all will be in our prayers today and for days to come. Words can't express the sympathy I feel for each of you. I pray that God will give you the comfort and peace that you need.

Bobby Glenn

April 12, 2011

my thoughts and prayers are with her familiy and community.

vel cox

April 12, 2011

Dr.Kendall,Gretchen even though there are many miles from my home and North Carolina the news of this tragic event has reached me and I wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I remember what a beautiful newborn Ava was and I see what a beautiful little girl she is. My continued prayers are with you and your family. vel cox,RN(LOUISVILLE,KY)

Stuart Powell

April 12, 2011

Kenny & Gretchen, Erica & family--I am deeply sorry to hear of Ava's passing. I didn't know her personally (I knew Erica & Gretchen from Jackie Howell's School of Dance), but her smile radiates so much happiness in the photos I saw of her. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Cleola Johnson

April 12, 2011

Doctor Kendall, I am sorry for your loss and will remember you and your family in prayer.

Patsy West

April 12, 2011

Praying for your family at this time.

Betty Bell

April 12, 2011

In our prayers.

Betty and Daniel Bell

April 12, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Just find comfort in knowing that Heaven has one more beautiful angel to watch over us. May God Bless you and your family.

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bell

April 12, 2011

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Heaven has one more beautiful little angel to look down on us. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers. May God give you the strength you need.

Carter and George MacBain

April 12, 2011

G and K,
We so loved the times we were able to be with Ava....her energy and smile just bowled us over! I hope all the wonderful memories you have of her will help with the hurt you all are feeling. We love you and have all the Kendalls in our prayers.

Sam and Christina Eleanor

April 12, 2011

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you guys.

doris miller

April 12, 2011

Listen carefully for her whispers...she will tell you she is in heaven and that she is in the most wonderful place. My heart for the ones left behind ... such a tragedy is something I cannot imagine ... please live the rest of your lives in the little pleasures in memory of her, for she has become part of the sunshine, she has become part the wind, and she has become part of the songs of the birds.

Michelle Swanner

April 12, 2011

I struggle to find words to comfort you and your family. My heart aches for you all. You have a lovely family and its always been a pleasure getting to know you. I can never imagine how it must feel to lose your baby girl. Life is so fragile. I do hope and pray that you all will find comfort and peace in the days to follow. I will certainly embrace my children much closer tonight and we will pray for your family. May God give you the peace and comfort you so need at this time.

Amy Schafer

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for your entire family. Amy Schafer

Alice Whitley

April 12, 2011

I offer my heart felt sympathies to family and friends of Ava. My heart is deeply sadden by this tragic event in your lives. May God give you strength, understanding (when there doesn't seem to be any answers), guidance, and peace, as only He can provide.
www.griefshare.org

Jon Kurie

April 12, 2011

Kenny, George told me about what happened. I can't imagine what you and your wife are going through. We share having gotten married and having had kids later in life. All I can say is that my heart goes out to you and I pray that God will give you and your wife the strength to get through this. Take care of yourself my friend. Jon Kurie

Hope Keel

April 12, 2011

No parent should ever have to feel the pain you are going through. My heart hurts so bad for you & your family. Dr. Kendall. RIP Ava. She is one of God's precious angels now.

Brian Dyson

April 12, 2011

I am very sorry for your Loss Dr. Kendall

April 12, 2011

I did not know Ava, but I wanted to let you know from alot of people where I know are all deeply saddened by this event. She looked like an adorable, sweet little angel. Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. We all wish that the Lord will help you in this difficult time. Brenda (Greenville,NC)

Christie & Jeremy Waters

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall & family- Our hearts are heavy for you at the loss of your precious and beautiful daughter. May God give you strength and peace now and in the days ahead. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. The Waters Family

F.M.&Shirley Corbett

April 12, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. We would see Ava each year when we visited my brother, John Tugwell and family. She was such an adorable little angel. We were there for the wedding on Saturday. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with all of you. May God bless you in a special way.
.

Ann and Tim Copeland

April 12, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. We saw Ava many times at KCR with Rachel and the Tugwells. I most recently saw her at Rachel's shower and she was just bubbling over. God has truly gained an angel in Heaven. May God bring you the peace that passeth all understanding in this time of great hurt. God Bless you.

Susan McDonald Spain

April 12, 2011

There is no earthly explanation for such tragedy, no human understanding for the what ifs, if only...My heart fills with sadness for Kenny, Gretchen and the boys, all left behind to ask the questions, to handle the complete grief and yet, go on with life. I pray for the only touch that can, with time, begin the healing, and I cry tears of heartbreak and sadness with you all. Susan McDonald Spain, Tarboro, NC

Lisa Moore

April 12, 2011

Words cannot express the sadness I feel for your family as you go through this very difficult time. Ava was a lovely little girl. We pray that the Lord will help your family find peace.

Lisa & Stuart Moore

PATSY BULLOCK

April 12, 2011

Dr. Kendall you and your Familie will be in my thoughts and prayers, Little Ava is in Heaven with the Angels.
Patsy Bullock

Wendy Brophy

April 12, 2011

"A butterfly lights beside us, like a sunbeam...and for a brief moment it's glory and beauty belong to our world... but then flies on again, and although we wish it could have stayed, we are so thankful to have shared the time we had."
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all the family and friends mourning the loss of such a beautiful little girl. I am so sorry for your loss.

Gary & Carol Sugg

April 12, 2011

We were greatly saddened to learn of this tragic loss. As friends of her grandparents, Jim and Jackie, we know that Ava was part of a very loving family that now is in deep mourning. Please know that we, and so many others, grieve with you now.

marcia Carpenter

April 12, 2011

Praying for the Kendall Family. Dr. Kendall delivery my second grandchild.May God be with you all

Angela Westgerdes

April 12, 2011

i have never met you or your family, i live in Ohio and happened to see the story on the internet. my heart is breaking for everyone. Ava was a beautiful child who i know will be missed by many. my thoughts and prayers go out to all of Ava's friends and family. May the beautiful princess rest in peace.

Keisha Harrell Long

April 12, 2011

Dr Kendall & all the Family of lovely Ava: I am so deeply saddened by the tragic loss of your sweet angel. I read & think about this every day. I am so sorry you are hurting, and I pray that you will experience true peace in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. I have been a patient at Tarboro Womens Center for several years and Dr Kendall delivered my first son. God Bless You All!

Showing 1 - 69 of 69 results

Make a Donation
in Ava Kendall's name

Memorial Events
for Ava Kendall

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ava's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ava Kendall's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more