Shirley Ayers

Mrs. Shirley Mae Smith Ayers, age 85, of Meansville, peacefully went to her heavenly home on May 21, 2025.  Shirley grew up in Atlanta, daughter of the late James Willie Smith and the late Daisy Belle Whitley Smith. She and her husband, Arlie, moved to Meansville in 1973.  They were founding members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Zebulon where Shirley was the church secretary and very active in mission programs. She was a self-taught pianist and organist and played the organ for her church.  For several years, Shirley was a substitute teacher in the Pike County School System.  She was a homemaker who enjoyed traveling, cross stitching, word searches, crossword puzzles and fishing. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, Memaw and friend.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Drury "Dan" Ayers and her brothers, Charles Smith, Buddy Smith and Wayman Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years: James Arlie Ayers; sons: Jeff Ayers, Barry Clay Ayers (Mary) and John Ayers; grandsons: Steven Ayers, Matthew Ayers, Jacob Ayers, and Gavyn Gill (Skye); adopted granddaughter: Chelsea Tutten; great-grandchildren: Lincoln Gill and Samantha Gill; sisters: Elaine Wright (Steve), Charlene Case and Regina Palmer; many nieces and nephews; and her best friend: Martha Little.

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 2 p.m., in Emmanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Bud Gleaton officiating. Burial will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens.