Our beautiful wife and mother, Ava Jean Sailors, was born in Reydon, OK on October 21, 1937 to Alvin and Margie Snowden of Erick, OK.

She passed from this life to glory on March 15, 2024, at the age of 86, in Bella Vista, AR. Funeral will be held at the Erick Church of Christ on Friday, March 22, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her Father (Papa) Alvin Snowden, Mother (Mama) Margie Belle Snowden, two sisters Rose Marie Munford and Alvinita North, all of Erick, OK.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Zeb Sailors, of Bella Vista, AR. Five children Debbie Witt, Bella Vista, AR, Ricky Sailors (Rosa), San Antonio, TX, Terry Sailors (Andene), Sherman, TX, Gary Sailors (Kristi), Georgetown, TX, and Sherri McReynolds (Matthew), Bella Vista, AR. Sister Donna Mae Hugg, Perryton, TX and brother Ransom Snowden, Erick, OK, and numerous beloved nieces and nephew and cousins.

She and Daddy were blessed with 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was so proud of them and loved them all.

She loved family traditions such as cooking a favorite meal for someone visiting. Her favorite meal, along with several others, was her famous beans, cornbread, and fried potatoes. Her mashed potatoes were unmatched and a favorite at Thanksgiving. Another tradition was every boy in the family for 66 years starting with Ricky and now to little Charlie McReynolds, was to have their 6-month picture taken in the same little suit. Every picture is hanging in the hallway with many, many other pictures and memories for her to cherish.

Her greatest and proudest achievement in this life was loving and raising her 5 children. She most loved family reunions and get togethers. She so loved her husband, family, Mama and Papa and her siblings. If you ever had the opportunity to know her, chances are you loved her. If you gained entrance into her heart she loved you till the day she died.

She loved telling stories of her childhood years, chopping cotton, riding her horse with no bridle or saddle, stories of her best friend from school, Naomi, being so financially poor, but so rich with family love, and the family traveling to California for harvesting. Her favorite hobbies were reading and writing. Her love of writing produced two books, "My Story" in 2001, and in 2022 published her book of poems entitled "A Life in Poetry" starting with poems written at the age of 13.

She loved family reunions and always wanted one of the boys to bring his guitar so we could all sing together. When it was time to go she just couldn't get enough hugs and kisses through her tears and would always say "I love you sugar.. soooo much" We will always love you Ava Jean, Mama, Mother, Mimi. Sooo very, very much!

"And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these in Love." 1 Cor. 13:13

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, AR.