Miss Mary Ava Tester, 9, of Craft Road, Hartwell, passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite.

Born on June 19, 2014 in Lavonia, GA, she was the daughter of Andrew Tester, Mandy Craft and Rusty and Missy Vaughn. She was a 3rd grade student at Hartwell Elementary and a member of Sardis Baptist Church. Ava loved school, music, her friends, anything to do with water, GA football and Atlanta Braves. She brought JOY to everyone she met with her contagious smile.

Survivors include her parents: Andrew Tester, Mandy Craft, Rusty and Missy Vaughn; one brother: Silas Tester; two sisters: Lindsey Fountain, Ashley Fleeman; her maternal grandmother: Susan Craft. Ava was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather: Jerry Craft.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, October 1, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at the home of Susan Craft, 112 Craft Road, Hartwell, GA.

Funeral services for Miss Ava Tester will be Monday, October 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Buffington, Mrs. Kristi Rucker and Mrs. Lynne Glasco officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Hartwell Elementary School students and faculty. Burial will be in the Memorial Garden of Prayer.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite, 1001 Johnson Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 or Sardis Baptist Church Youth Fund, 4359 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.