Mount Pleasant, Texas – The community of Mount Pleasant, Texas, is mourning the death of Ava Claire Hageman, a young girl remembered for the warmth, energy, and joy she brought into the lives of those around her. Her family announced that funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church on Thursday, December 11, at 2 p.m.—a gathering expected to draw a wide circle of relatives, friends, classmates, and neighbors.
In their public statement, the family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Thank you all for the prayers and love to our family. They are sincerely felt and appreciated,” they wrote. “We are going to miss our Clairee so much.”
A Community Searching for Healing and Meaning
In a town where close-knit relationships are part of everyday life, Ava Claire’s death has resonated widely. Mount Pleasant, a small East Texas community known for its strong civic spirit, often rallies around families facing hardship. Local residents have responded with condolences, shared memories, and acts of kindness—gestures that speak to the impact Ava Claire had during her life.
“She had a light that drew people in,” said a family friend, reflecting a sentiment echoed across community posts. “Her smile made you feel like you mattered.”
A Legacy Rooted in Joy: Dellwood Park Renewal
In lieu of flowers, the Hageman family is asking supporters to contribute to an initiative that reflects Ava Claire’s vibrant personality: a campaign to renew Dellwood Park and fund a new community pool in her honor. The vision, they say, is to create a place “where joy and community can flourish.”
Local officials and civic groups have begun circulating the project details, noting that public parks in smaller U.S. cities often rely on community-led efforts for upgrades. The proposed pool and park improvements could become one of Mount Pleasant’s most meaningful youth-centered projects in years. Similar community-driven memorial spaces across Texas have been shown to strengthen local engagement and offer families a place to gather, reflect, and reconnect.
Why This Story Matters
Beyond personal grief, Ava Claire’s passing highlights how communities respond to tragedy—not with isolation, but with collective compassion. In towns like Mount Pleasant, memorial initiatives often become long-lasting symbols of unity and renewal. This project, if fully realized, may stand as a testament to how one life can inspire connection long after loss.
As the Hageman family prepares to lay Ava Claire to rest, Mount Pleasant stands with them—mourning, remembering, and working to build something beautiful in her name.
