Ava Carol Blackburn, age 85, of Port Deposit, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1941 in Hill Top, KY, to the late Theo Jones and Esther (Keith) Jones.

Ava was a loving mother, grandmother, nurse, and faithful friend whose life was defined by family, service to others, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of God’s handiwork. She treasured the time spent with her grandchildren. Her home along the Susquehanna River (aka “Gammy’s river”) in Port Deposit, MD was a special place filled with memories, laughter, and love.

Ava focused her professional life on a service career – Nursing. She graduated from Harford Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing in 1975 and began her nursing career at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, MD.  Two years later she joined the clinical team at the VA Hospital in Perry Point, MD, where she worked until 2006. After officially retiring from the VA, she continued to practice in other care settings before truly retiring in 2009.

Her service focus was evident well beyond her nursing career.  Over a 30-year period, Ava volunteered for community health and preparedness programs through the Cecil County Health Department, including Smoking Sensation, Cardiac Health, Community Disaster Preparedness, and Youth Mentoring programs.   Several programs she designed, launched and directed herself by forging collaborations between county, civic and faith-based organizations.  Believing that philanthropy is for everyone, she served as a Site Coordinator for the Combined Federal Campaign fundraising efforts at Perry Point.  A member of the Rising Sun Seventh-day Adventist Church, she coordinated service programs both for the church family and for the wider community.  These included Health Ministries, Community Services and youth programs, as well as outreach ministries including a Food Pantry and a Dorcas Society chapter.  Having learned about the “parish nursing” model early in her career, she sought to embody those holistic care concepts, believing that her church should be a vibrant contributor to the surrounding community.

Ava had a wonderful sense of adventure. She enjoyed travel – the Great Wall of China was a highlight. She was happy outdoors, whether camping, hiking, or simply puttering in a garden. She grew vegetables and flowers – irises, tulips and sunflowers were particular favorites.

Ava is survived by her children: Gail Blackburn, Ted Blackburn (Jodi), and Esther Barton (David); grandchildren: Emily Marks (Olivia), Henry Jester, Martin Marks (Cassie), Anne Blackburn, John Blackburn, Elijah Barton, Silas Barton, and Eleanor Barton; and sister, Vienna Stone (William). In addition to her parents, Ava is preceded in death by her siblings: Haskel Jones, Kenneth Jones, Betty Sullivan, and Alton Jones, and by her former husband, Willard Earl Blackburn. Ava will be laid to rest with her parents in Hilltop, Kentucky.

A celebration of Ava’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 11:00AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 South Queen Street Rising Sun, MD 21911. Friends and family are welcome to begin visiting at 10:00AM. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.