Ava Byars, a Philadelphia, Mississippi native and exceptional cheerleader, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at an untimely age of 14, leaving her loved ones devastated.
While her family has yet to disclose the details about her untimely and sudden death, many of her loved ones are paying tribute to the late Ava Byars and extending their heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.
Ava Byars touched the lives of many with her cheerful and kind nature, as well as her outstanding athletic skills.
She was showcasing her athletic skills at Leake Academy, where she was a member of the varsity cheerleading team.
Leake Academy took to its official social media to pay tribute to its student-athlete, Ava Byars, and share memories of her.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved student, Ava Byars. Ava was more than just a student at Leake Academy— she was a friend, a teammate, a classmate, and a bright light in our school community. We know that words cannot fill the emptiness we feel, but we hope the memories we all share of Ava will provide comfort in the days to come. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her.Please join us in sending prayers, love, and support to her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Leake Academy
Similarly, her teacher Javier Alberto Havierland took to her social media to express her sorrow and wrote:
“RIP🕊️ AVA BYARS 🕊️❕Oh, how my heart hurts😥 Sweet, funny, loving Ava… how could this be😢? You were one of my very first 6th-grade students, my “favorite,” as you loved to call yourself😭.I prayed I would wake up this morning and realize it was all just a dream, but sadly, it wasn’t. Tell Jesus all your jokes, sweet girl, I know He’ll laugh even more than I did. Please keep Ava’s family and friends in your prayers as they face this heartbreaking loss. 😭😭😭🩵🕊️❕.”
Javier Alberto Havierland
Ava Byars is Survived By Her Parents, Jessica and Clay Byars, Sister, and The Entire Family
Ava Byars was born on August 1, 2011, as the eldest of two daughters of Jessica and Clay Byars.
In addition to being an amazing athlete, Ava Byars was a great daughter to her parents, Jessica and Clay Byars, and a loving sister to Mary Clayton Byars.
While her parents haven’t shared any statement regarding the untimely death of their beloved daughter, Ava Byars, as they are currently grieving, they often share pictures of her on social media expressing their love and pride.
Ava’s mother, Jessica Byars, works at Quality Hospice Care, Inc, however she hasn’t shared much about her professional life.
Likewise, her father, Clay Byars, owns and operates his own furniture business named Byars Furniture. He has been operating the company since 1990 and, over the past three decades, has been satisfying his customers.
Clay earned his Bachelor’s degree in Home Furnishings and Equipment Installers from the University of Mississippi in 2004 and his Bachelor of Applied Science from Mississippi State University in 2007.
In addition to her parents and sister, Ava Byars is survived by her aunt Carly Byars Rounsaville, grandparents, cousins, and the whole family.
Her family has organized a funeral service for Ava James Byars on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. from First Baptist Church of Philadelphia with Bro. Evan Humphries and Dr. Dan Howard officiating.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 12:00 noon until the service time at the church.
Interment will follow in the Cedarlawn Cemetery.
