Ava Michelle Manley

Ava Michelle Manley, 24, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Her life was tragically taken from her in Denton, Texas.

Ava was born on February 26, 2002, in Asheville, where she grew up surrounded by the mountains, family, and community she called home. She later attended the University of North Texas and made Texas her home.

Ava was beautiful, but the beauty she brought into the world went far beyond the way she looked. She had an eye for beautiful things and a gift for creating them herself. She was a talented photographer, an artist, a baker of cakes covered in flowers, and a lover of fashion.

Ava kept a small, close-knit circle of friends and loved creating beautiful, intimate experiences for the people closest to her. Her gatherings often had a theme, complete with thoughtfully designed invitations, carefully chosen decorations, and a home transformed for the occasion. Every detail was considered, and every element reflected how deeply she wanted the people she loved to feel special. She carried that same creativity and attention to detail into her work as an event planner and manager.

Growing up in Asheville, Ava was also an exceptional tennis player. At one point, she ranked among the top players in North Carolina, an accomplishment that reflected her natural talent and determination.

For all of Ava’s gifts and talents, what mattered most was the way she loved and served others. She had a true servant’s heart. She was compassionate, caring, kind, brave, funny, thoughtful, and selfless. So much of what Ava did was centered on caring for others, anticipating their needs, and finding ways to make their lives a little brighter. She noticed the details and made people feel seen, understood, and cared for. Whether through something she created, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being present when someone needed her, Ava gave generously of herself.

Ava had a deep love for animals and nature. She found beauty and joy in the natural world and had a tender heart for every living thing. She especially adored her dog, Bingo, with an enthusiasm anyone who knew her could attest to. She was also the proud and loving godmother to her niece, Vivienne, a role that meant so much to Ava and to her family.

Ava was a Christian, and her faith was an important part of who she was. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now held in the loving arms of her Savior, where there is no fear, pain, or suffering. While those who loved her grieve an unimaginable loss, they know that they will one day see her again.
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25

Ava is survived by her parents, Dr. John Alan and Susie Michelle Manley; her siblings, Jourdan and Nishen Vartabedian, Gentry and Maura Manley, John Grant Manley, and Jack Manley; her niece and goddaughter, Vivienne Vartabedian; and her grandparents, Dr. John Henry and Xandra Manley, and Jon and Caralee Wright.

She also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members; her small and deeply treasured circle of friends; and her beloved dog, Bingo.

Twenty-four years was nowhere near enough time for Ava. There were so many photographs still to take, cakes to bake, intimate gatherings to create, places to go, outfits to wear, animals to love, and people left for her to serve and care for. Her life was much bigger than the way it ended, and she will be remembered for the extraordinary amount of beauty, creativity, thoughtfulness, compassion, humor, and love she fit into the years she was given.

Ava will forever be our daughter, our little sister, our granddaughter, our aunt, our niece, our godmother, and our friend. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

A Funeral Service honoring the life of Ava Michelle Manley will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Terrace Hall at Biltmore Church’s Arden campus, located at 35 Clayton Road in Arden, North Carolina. Ava’s family will receive friends for a short time following the service.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.