JACKSON, Miss. – Former Mississippi First Lady Ava Carroll Overton Waller died Tuesday at a Jackson nursing home losing a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Waller was the widow of former Mississippi Governor William L. (Bill) Waller. He was in office from 1972-1076. During that time, Mrs. Waller led efforts to restore the Governor’s Mansion, which was in such disrepair that the family moved out in 1971. “There’s a good possibility the Governor’s Mansion would not exist now, if not for her dedicated restoration work,” said Governor Phil Bryant. “She was a wonderful First Lady and an example to all others who have followed her.”
Funeral services for Mrs. Waller will be Friday, October 31 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Jackson. She was 87.
