Etheridge Legislation Honoring Ava Gardner Approved By Congressional Committee

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge's (D-Lillington) legislation to re-name the Smithfield Post Office the "Ava Gardner Post Office," in honor of a Johnston County native and one of the world's all-time great actresses, was approved Thursday by the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform. The next step for the legislation, which was approved unanimously by the committee, will be a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

"I am pleased that the committee approved legislation honoring Ava Gardner, moving it one step closer to becoming law," said Etheridge. "Ava Gardner lived the American Dream, but never forgot her humble beginnings in Johnston County. Not only is she a native of the great state of North Carolina, but she touched lives all around the world. Ava Gardner represents the can-do attitude and patriotism embodied by the people of our country. I hope that the House will quickly pass this legislation."

Etheridge introduced the legislation after Smithfield Mayor Bill Jordan and the Smithfield Town Council sent him a letter urging him to do so. The legislation is cosponsored by all North Carolina members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It must be passed by the House and the Senate to become law.

Ava Gardner was born in Johnston County, the youngest of seven children. In the summer of 1941, the Smithfield Herald told the story of Ava Gardner's trip across country to Hollywood. During her career she starred in 64 films and was the first woman from North Carolina to grace the cover of Time magazine. Ava Gardner was one of America's most accomplished actresses in the 20th century. She led the Hollywood golden age and shared the stage with such notable actors as Clark Gable, Burt Lancaster and Grace Kelly. In addition to her success on the silver screen, Ava Gardner was a leader in the fight against cancer and worked tirelessly for research funding. She served as a goodwill ambassador to people around the globe and was recognized by the U.S. Armed Forces for her public service. She died on January 25, 1990.

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