Ava Jane Gibson

Ava Jane Gibson was born July 12, 2006 in Athens, GA and passed away suddenly on August 5, 2009. Her contagious smile and sparkling eyes captured the hearts of friends and strangers alike. Ava received a heart transplant on October 11, 2006, and her family is forever grateful to the donor and his family for graciously giving them the last three years together. Ava enjoyed hippotherapy at Butterfly Dreams, swimming in the UGA PEMD Clinic at the Ramsey Center, and listening to music with Ms. Holly at Kindermusik. Ava was lovingly cared for by the devoted medical professionals at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and supported by the Georgia Transplant Foundation. Ava was adored by her big sisters, Lucy and Ella, and special caregivers, Emily Pierce and Dawn Kulscar.

Ava Jane was deeply loved by her parents, Steven and Rachele Gibson, sisters Lucy and Ella, of Athens, GA; grandparents William and Rebecca Mapes of Duluth, GA, Albert and Jane Latson of Sugar Hill, GA, and Barbara Robbins Gibson of Castroville, TX; uncle Bill Mapes of Duluth, GA; uncle Ryan and aunt Anne Gibson of Houston, TX; aunt Kim Alderman of Buford, GA; aunt Kelley Latson of Indiana, PA; uncle Todd and aunt Stuart Latson of Buford, GA; aunt Amanda Latson of Sugar Hill, GA; and cousins, Alexis, Madeline, Elise, James, Grant and Isaac.

The family will receive friends at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, 1690 South Milledge Ave. Athens, GA on Monday evening August 10, 2009 beginning at 5 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 7:00 to celebrate and remember. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to Camp Swamp (www.campswamp.com).

Online condolences may be expressed at www.byarsfuneralhome.com.

Byars Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements, 678-455-5815.

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