Esther Louise Ayers

Esther Louise Ayers, 84, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, February 17, 2014, at her residence.

Mrs. Ayers was born January 30, 1930 in Clarkton, Mo, to the late Garnett Green and Lala Mae Bell (Robinson) Gray.

On January 27, 1947, she married Rev. Arlon Ayers in Piggott, AR, he preceded her in death in 2000.

Mrs. Ayers was a member of Second Baptist Church, and Singing Seniors Choir. She was owner and operator of a dress shop; Lady Esther. She enjoyed spending time with her family and singing.

Survivors include her children; Lorretta Stone of Bell City, and Ricky Arlon Ayers of Bernie, and two grandchildren she raised as her own; Michelle Hobbs of Poplar Bluff and Carl Wayne Shane of St. Peters, Mo, along with 7 other grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Gary (Bud) Ayers; five brothers: Dick, Bill, Dan, Gilbert and Gene Gray; and four sisters: Mary Nell Winchester, Gineve Vaughn, Rilla Mae Gray and Irene Shane.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, until time of memorial service at 11 a.m. Rev. Gary Woolverton, Rev. Gene Lancaster, and Rev. Teddy Stone will be officiating. Inurnment will follow at Bernie Cemetery.