May 2, 2025, 86, Goldsboro —
April L. Ardis, 86, peacefully passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at UNC Health Wayne, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 21, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Earl Leroy and Liesbeth Dawson Messick.
In addition to her parents, April was preceded by her husband, George Marion Ardis and her longtime special friend and companion, Ronnie Williams.
April is survived by her children, George F. Ardis (Vivian), Angie Rains (Bruce), Amy Sasser (Jay); bonus children, Mike Clifton, Robert Clifton, David Clifton, Tammy Clifton, Steve Clifton, Ronald Clifton; grandchildren, Ashely Newell (Wesley), Emily Paul (Shayne), Matthew Ardis (Caroline), Holt Rains (Kate), April Grace Rains, Jacob Sasser, Aubrey Sasser, Tara Primm, and Kelly Holmes; great-grandchildren, Fynleigh, Sunnie, Garrison, Haley, MaKinley, Patterson, Holt, Jr., Witt, Franklin, and Georgia Grace; cousins, Frank Marro, Phil Marro, and Jerry Messick; and many beloved extended family members and friends whom she loved very much.
April began her career with the Goldsboro Fire Department in May 1981, faithfully serving as a secretary and rising to the position of administrative assistant to the fire chief before her retirement in May 1999. She cherished her work and held deep affection for her colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Above all, April was guided by her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life reflected grace, compassion, and joy, and she never hesitated to share the love of Christ with those around her.
Her family was her heart. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, April found her greatest blessings in her children and their children. Affectionately known as “Oma,” she was proud of each member of her family and loved them fiercely. Her warmth, guidance, and unconditional love will be missed beyond measure.
Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, April shared her talents as a longtime member of the Third Century Singers gospel group. Her love for music extended to the stage, where she delighted audiences at the Paramount Theatre in productions such as Oklahoma and Carousel. She also found great joy in nature, spending peaceful moments tending to her garden and admiring the beauty of flowers.
April’s life touched many—through her music, her faith, her service, and most of all, her love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion that will live on in all who knew her.
A service to celebrate April’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Goldsboro Fire Department Chaplain Anthony Slater officiating. Interment will follow at Willow Dale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
