Ava Louise Murdock Proctor, age 99, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on May 7, 2026.

Born on July 2, 1926, to Aminitus and John Murdock, Ava lived a life rooted in faith, love, hard work, and service to others. A devoted Christian and faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, she spent her life ministering to those around her through kindness, unwavering compassion, and service to others.

In 1942, Ava married the love of her life, Egbert Lee Proctor. Together, they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage centered around devotion to one another and family.

Ava never wanted anyone to leave her home hungry. Cooking for others was one of the many ways she expressed love, and her kitchen was always a place of comfort, good food, and the best chocolate and lemon meringue pies. She simply loved taking care of people and making them feel welcome.

One of Ava's most treasured ministries was sending birthday cards to members of her church family. Faithfully and thoughtfully, she continued this tradition until the very end of her life, making sure others felt remembered, valued, and loved.

Ava was also known for her strong work ethic throughout her life. She worked at Weingarten's, Day & Zimmerman, and several retail shops before eventually opening her own business, Kate and Ava's Resale Shop. She was always beautifully dressed with great attention to detail and was an excellent seamstress whose talent and creativity were admired by many.

When Ava wasn't working or caring for others, you could usually find her either tending to her flower gardens or sitting on the banks of a pond with a fishing pole in her hand. She was an avid fisherman who loved the simple peace and joy of fishing, and those who knew her often smiled at the fact that she never believed in throwing anything back.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Egbert Lee Proctor; her parents, Aminitus and John Murdock; four brothers; and one sister.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Proctor; her son, Danny Proctor (Robin Proctor); her three grandchildren, Stephanie Proctor, Justin Proctor, and Chase Proctor; and four great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members, church friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

Though her hands are now at rest, the love she poured into others will continue to live on in every life she touched.

Ava Proctor will be honored at Chapelwood Funeral Home on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., led by Dr. John Webb, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ava's memory to Hospice of Texarkana or the Animal League.