Avril, known by some as 'Ave', graduated as Registered Nurse from Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, TN, and was subsequently employed by the hospital. She also served as a WWII Army Cadet Nurse at Kennedy General Hospital in Memphis. She and Norman moved to Monticello to establish his optometry practice and start a family. For many decades, Avril lovingly worked side by side with her husband in his office until they retired. Avril was very active at First United Methodist Church in Monticello. She had been a volunteer in the children's Sunday School department, chaired committees, and participated in United Methodist Women. After her move to Fort Smith in 2002 to be with her daughters, she continued to enjoy a social life at Fountain of Youth Adult Day Center until health reasons interfered.
She is survived by two daughters, Pam Wadsworth and Debbie Zouzas and husband, Jerry, all of Fort Smith; one brother, Don Cook and wife Betty of Houston; one step-granddaughter, Tina Lasiter of Muldrow, OK ; two step-great-grandchildren and a step-great-great grandson.
Condolences(34)
Pam Berryman Beard
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 12, 2011 I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I remember how soft spoken and loving she was. Our mothers are up there watching over us together. PamKim and David Hoffman
Conway, AR Sunday, July 3, 2011 So sorry to hear of Ms. Avril's passing. She was a wonderful lady and we loved sitting by her at First Methodist in Monticello. Ms. Avril always made our children feel special and made everybody smile. She was so sweet and loved everybody. Please accept our deepest sympathy.BENNIE&CAROLYN ADAMS
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, June 23, 2011 PAM AND DEBBIE...SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I CAN REMEMBER HER FROM SCHOOL WITH PAM. SHE WOULD BE AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY'S AND SO SWEET. SHE WAS A LOVING PERSON. SHE LOVED HER FAMILY. I WAS GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN HER. SHE IS WITH OUR GOD NOW. TRY AND FIND PEACE KNOWING YOU WILL BE WITH HER SOMEDAY. BENNIE AND CAROLYN ADAMS. 512 SO. SPEER ST.MONTICELLO. BOTH OF YOU WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS.ELDirect
Fort Smith, AR Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. ELDirect TeamErnest Cashion
Prairie Grove, AR Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Classsmate from PBHS 1942. Just learned of death. If had know about would have come to Ft. Smith to offtrer codolence. Always enjoyed seeing her at class reunions. Also have in common that i worked aat Kennedy Hospital for awhile but fter she was there. Not many of our class left and as she moved from Montocello was lost contact. To bad as we had reunion in 2002.Pat McCoy Kissinger
Smyrna, TN Tuesday, June 21, 2011 My thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie & Pam. Your mom was a very special lady and I will always have fond memories of spending time with your family.Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Monday, June 20, 2011 Pam & Deborah, Sorry about the loss of your Mom. I remember her as one of the sweetest ladies i ever knew. Precious woman!!! I apologize for not being able to make it to visitation or the funeral due to my broken arm. Just could not work it out. I know you have wonderful memories of your parents. Love you dearly, JodyTersia M Burger
Johannesburg, TX Monday, June 20, 2011 What a lovely tribute to an obviously wonderful mother. My deepest sympathies to the family. It has been a sad journey . Pam, you have been an amazing daughter and caregiver to your Mom.Mrs Wadsworth rest in peace!
Mary Moser Watts & Rodney Watts
Tallahassee, FL Sunday, June 19, 2011 Our thought and prayers are with you all. I have so many good memories from Monticello and Pine Bluff. I will remember your smiles, kindness and love always.Love Mary and Rodney Watts
Caroline and Uwe Bremer
North Port, FL Sunday, June 19, 2011 Pam and family, our hearts are with you, just know that your mom is in God's Greater Existence. She will need some time to heal, but her heart is forever with you. Love, Uwe and CarolineMildred Deal
Fort Smith, AR Sunday, June 19, 2011 Dear Pam and Debbie,I remember your mother well for when she came to the Fountain of Youth adult Day Center. I used to set her hair and do her nails. She was such a sweet lady.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort at this most difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
Mildred
Russ & Judy Nelson
Cane Hill, AR Sunday, June 19, 2011 Our sincere condolences to the family of Avril Wadsworth. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Russ & Judy Nelson
Phillip Herring
Maumelle, AR Sunday, June 19, 2011 Dear Debra and Pam,I am so saddened to learn of your mom's death. I will always remember her as a loving and caring lady. She was so kind to everyone and I always enjoyed visiting with here, whether it was at the office or at your home.
Debra you said it best when you stated on FB that there is a new angel in heaven. I know that Dr. NM greeted her and no doubt that they are enjoying some huckleberry pie with the Ballards!
All my love to you and you are all in my prayers.
Phillip
Sharon Barnes
Naples, FL Sunday, June 19, 2011 Pam - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You have been a wonderful daughter to your mother. I pray for God to give you the strength you need to get you through your time of sorrow. God bless.Roberta
Arlington, TN Saturday, June 18, 2011 My prayers are with your family at this time of great loss. I pray that the Lord eases the pain in your hearts and gives you peace as He lifts Miss Avril to be by His side. ~ Your CousinDenise WIlliams
carrollton, GA Saturday, June 18, 2011 Dear Pam and Debbie,i am sorry about Mrs. avril wadsworth. Avril is beautiful of picture. Avril go to heaven and peace. Psalm 23:1-3. God will take care of avril. Avril will see heaven walk happy and see her husband norman. your mom love you and debbie so much.
love,
second cousin
Denise Williams
Gayle Kellum Brown
Monticello, AR Saturday, June 18, 2011 I have such fond memories of your mom and dad. Whether it was the wonderful chicken salad sandwiches she always had ready for me and Judy and Debra at lunch everyday. Or her wonderful help in picking out my first pair of glasses. Although looking back, I’m not so sure that cat-eye glasses with tortoise shell rims were a great choice for a 4th Grader! She was a special, special kind of person who made those around her feel loved and cared for. As I have said to you previously – you both were blessed with exceptionally, wonderful parents. What a marvelous reunion they must have had this week! May the Lord comfort you in the coming days with a host of beautiful memories of your loving mom.Phyllis Evins Bone
Dardanelle, AR Saturday, June 18, 2011 Pam and Debbie,I know God will give you both comfort during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you cherish the sweet memories of your mom.
Love, Phyllis & Jimmy
Hazel Potts; S
monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 So sorry to hear of Mrs wadsworthworth going home to be with the Lord. Sne was a beautiful Lady.. I went to their office so many times She and Dr. Wadsworth were always so kind.;
Maggi Powell
Springfield, MO Friday, June 17, 2011 Dearest Pam and Debbie,I wanted to tell you that I share with you the loss of this wonderful gal Avril. She always made me laugh and I felt her love surround me whenever I was with her. You gals are just like her and I do wish that I could see you more often. I am afraid that coming all the way to Monticello is out of the question right now. I had hoped that a memorial would be held in Ft. Smith and maybe I could come to that. Please know that I am with you in my heart and hope some day to see her again in heaven. It's for sure that she will be there!
Much love,
Maggi Culpepper Wadsworth Powell
Marsha Daniels
Monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 I'm so glad this wonderful woman was part of my life for many years. What fun she always was from the time Pam and I were babies through band trips in high school. Don't think I'll ever forget her wonderful laugh and beautiful smile! So glad she's nowat peace. Love to you Pam and Debra.Martha Beard Ryburn
Monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 I remember your Mom from the first time I went to your Dad, for glasses, in the 6th grade. I continued going to them until I wanted contacts and he referred me to Ricky, which was many years later. They were both very sweet and special people. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.Cheryl Maxwell
Fort Smith, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 My condolences to my good friend, Debbie. I never knew your mother, but I am certain she was a gem! My sympathy to you and your sister during this time.Dave Nicholson
Fort Smith, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 My Aunt. One of the finest human beings to grace the planet. Never a disparaging moment, nor a bad word to say about anyone else. She will be missed.Susan McClain Musick
Monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 So many fond memories of 'Ave" from church and the neighborhood. Heaven now has another wonderful angel.Kathy Graham
Phoenix, AZ Friday, June 17, 2011 Pam & Debbie,I'm so sorry for your loss. I always just loved your Mom & Dad. I loved coming over to your house when we were young. I know you have been missing your Mom for some time. She is finally with her sweet Norman & free to laugh & smile that sweet smile again. I'm sending prayers & love your way.
Susan Smith
Little Rock, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 Pam and Debbie, My prayers are with you. I have so many fond memories of your mom. I remember my mom and her having such fun especially at the church. They were definitely the "working church ladies". My memories go way back of both your mom and dad. May God comfort you during this time.Sue Rogers
Fort Smith, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 Debbie, please know my prayers are with you and your family.Tami Montgomery Greer
Moorpark, CA Friday, June 17, 2011 Aunt Avril touched so many lives with her love and kindness, hugs and smiles, and warm, contagious laughter. I cherish the memories of our times together, always with a smile on my face, a lump in my throat, and joy in my heart! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, God bless. Much love, TamiDebbie Hyatt
Monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 I'm sorry to hear about your mom.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 Dear Pam, Debbie and Jerry,There could be no better next door neighbors than the Wadsworths. You are like family to us. There are so many fond memories of growing up on Ross Ave. I can hear Ave's hearty laugh now. She had a great personality and always had a smile & a kind word for everyone. She was so proud of you girls. You took very good care of your mom until the end. She is at peace now. We love you.
Fay Wright McClain
Phil McClain
Kay & Kenny Worbington
Albert Waldron
Lucedale, MS Friday, June 17, 2011 my condolences to tha Family of Avril WadworthAnn Merrell
Van Buren, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 I have so many great memories of your mom! I always loved her infectious laugh and smile. May God Bless you and give you comfort with fond memories, family, and friends. We love you "Aunt" Pam!!PAT SAVAGE
Monticello, AR Friday, June 17, 2011 So sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember Ms. Wadsworth as teaching me how to make a chocolate pie at the church. The youth were selling cooked items and bless her heart she had to work with me! She was a very sweet special lady and will be missed.My thoughts and prayers are with your families.