June 29, 2024, 8, Goldsboro —

Ava Rose McClelland, 8, was taken from our world all too suddenly on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The heartbeat of her parents, Lindsey and David McClelland, Ava had just completed second grade at Arthur W. Edwards Elementary School in Havelock.

With great skill in arts and crafts, Ava had already decided she wanted to be an art teacher when she grew up. Full of energy and ever inquisitive, she loved dancing, cheerleading, and singing from the top of her lungs. Singing alongside the tracks of her favorite artists, Ava was most enthralled with the music of Toby Mac, Lainey Wilson, and Taylor Swift.

Thought of as a Princess Tom Boy, Ava was equally happy getting dolled up as she was to play in the yard. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed all the things that went with it, from fish and frogs to snakes and lightning bugs.

With a large personality and abundant love to share, Ava never met a stranger. She was far from shy and offered friendship to all she met. Ever joyful and always happy, her love for people was nearly matched by her love of dogs. Spending time watching YouTube Music videos and live feeds were among Ava’s favorite activities.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate her beautiful life at 3:30 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Ava Rose is survived by her parents, Lindsey Diane Pate McClelland and David Michael McClelland; big brother, Aiden McClelland; and paternal grandparents, Dennis and Catherine McClelland of California. She is also survived by many other family and friends that she loved very much.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.