Delma Barber “Del” Aven

Delma (Del) Barber Aven, (Age 96), peacefully left this earth for her home in Heaven on December 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Del was born on October 5, 1928 in Yalobusha County, at O’Tuckalofa near Water Valley, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Forest and Ora Harvey Barber. Del and her husband, Russell E. Aven, enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Visitation will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Oxford First Baptist Church where services will follow at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Robert Allen officiating. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Del was a member of Oxford First Baptist Church since 1956. In service to her Savior, she was director and teacher of the pre-school department, worked in the extension department, was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, worked in the media center recording church services for many years, and taught Bible classes for international students. She was a member of the Explorer’s Bible Study, the Gideon’s Auxiliary and did volunteer work at the hospital.

Del received her B.A.E. and M.A.E. degrees from The University of Mississippi and taught at Camp Ground and Water Valley schools for six years. Del enjoyed art, photography and occasionally wrote material for various Christian publications. Del had two books for children published. In 2015 she wrote and published Blessings Through the Years, a collection of her life stories from the depression era and up. Del counted it a blessing to be a caregiver for several members of her family. She loved her family and her family loved her so much.

Del is survived by her husband, Russell, her daughter, Debra (John) Swartzendruber, and two granddaughters, Abbey and Gracie Swartzendruber. She is preceded in death by her parents, Forest and Ora Barber, sister, Myra Barber, and son, Anson Aven.

Memorials may be given to Gideons International, First Baptist Church of Oxford, or donor’s choice.