Grayson County TXGenWeb

John H. Ayers
17 June 1852 - 17 December 1936

Willie M. Ayers
9 April 1862 - 30 April 1927

Van Alstyne Leader
May 5, 1927

The hearts of this community were saddened at the passing of Mrs. J. H. Ayres at 4:30 o'clock Saturday morning, April 30th. She was loved by all who knew her and was held in high esteem as a friend and neighbor.
Mrs. Ayres was born near Kentuckytown, Texas April 9, 1862, as Willie Ellen Morgan. In January 1886 she was married to J. H. Ayres, who survives. To this union there were born seven children, six of whom survive.
At the age of nine she united with the Christian Church, remaining a consistent adherent of that faith until her death.She has been a member of the local Christian Church for more than twenty years.
Several months ago, Mrs. Ayres was stricken with an illness from which she was unable to recover, despite the most skillful medical treatment.Within the past few weeks she grew gradually weaker, until on April 30, the end came.Mrs. Ayres impressed those who met her as a woman of exceptional discernment.In her home and in her relations with friends and neighbors, as long as her health permitted, she was an example of splendid womanhood.Her devotion to her family was beautiful and inspiring and her spirit has been a guide to each of her children and a blessing to her husband.She was faithful in the performance of the obligations she owed to her Church and the God whom she loved.
Funeral services were held at the First Christian Church at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, May 1st.The services were conducted by Rev. Lou Johnston, of Greenville, assisted by Rev. Elmer D. Henson.
The casket was decked with beautiful floral arrangements.
She is survived by her husband, J.H. Ayres, and six children: Ammonette, Walter Ayres, Douglas Ayres, Alvin Ayres, all of Van Alstyne, and Mrs. Virgil Jackson of McKinney.Also a sister, Mrs. Will Honne of Greenville, and two brothers, Jim Stout of Alvord, Texas and Henry Stout of Houston, Texas.
Active pallbearers were: Jim G. Kitching, Cage Hunter, Cap Hartwie, J. A. Douglas, P. M. Marshall, J. M. Lewallen and George Robinson.
Honorary pallbearers were: Hardin Kepler, J. H. Sheid, Curley Judd, J. R. Moore, Ben Nunnalee, Willie House, Earl Jones, Bye Edwards, L. A. Cartwright, Capt. G. W. Kidd and Dr. S. D. Moore.

Van Alstyne Leader
May 19, 1927

Funeral services were held Sunday for Mrs. J.H. Ayres, 65 years old, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stone Marshall following a long illness. The services were conducted at the First Christian chapel with Rev. Leo Johnston of Greenville, Rev. C.B. Fielder of Roxton and Rev. E.D. Henson, pastor of the church officiating. Interment was made at the Van Alstyne cemetery.
Surviving are the husband and several children and other relatives.
Pallbearers were as follows: Jim G. Kitching, Cage Hunter, L. Hartwig, J. A. Douglas, P. M. Marshall, J. M. Lewallen, George Robinson. Active: W. H. Kepler, J. Sheld, W. C. Judd, J. H. Moore, R. Nunnallee, W. H. House, Earl Jones, L. R. Edwards, L. A. Cartwright, Dr. S. D. Moore, Capt. G. W. Kidd, honorary.