Marie Ayers

Marie Ayers, 97, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Morristown Manor in Morristown. She was born January 24, 1921, in Cleveland, Mississippi, the daughter of Harry Frank and Jewell Marie (Howell) Tate. On April 5, 1942, she married William L. “Bill” Ayers, and he preceded her in death on June 28, 1998. Marie is survived by her sons, Lowell Ayers and wife, Joyce, of Kokomo, Phillip Ayers and wife, Lori, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, Charlie Ayers and wife, Beth, of Shelbyville, and Robert Ayers and wife, Amy, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughter, Ester Paris and husband, Richard, of Independence, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Nancy Ayers of Nampa, Idaho; sister, Barbara Insley of Damacus, Maryland; eighteen grandchildren; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and close friends, Billie, Sue and Glenda they were known as the four musketeers.. In addition to Bill, Marie was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Lloyd Ayers and Larry Ayers; and brothers, Frank Tate, Jim Tate and Lewis Tate. Marie graduated from Trevecca Nazarene High School. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Shelbyville, where was passionate about volunteering and participating in mission work. She received an award for her outstanding duties. Marie formerly worked at the Garment Factory in Shelbyville from 1961 to 1980. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville and from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2018 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 2315 S. Riley Highway, in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, PO Box 843116, Kansas City, Missouri 64184. Online condolences may be shared with Marie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.