Eva Jean Ayers was born December 11, 1929 in Ponca City, OK and passed away Monday, November 26, 2018. She is the oldest of two daughters to Melvin and Mildred Wikle. By the time Eva graduated from "Po High" she was already using her voice and was crowned Miss Ponca City in 1949. She began classes at Oklahoma A&M, in Stillwater, and on a blind date met S.T. Ayers. They were married and enjoyed 60 years together.
After STs graduation, they moved to Amarillo, TX, and a year later, made their final home in Oklahoma City. They joined Baptist Temple Church where Eva made a personal commitment to Jesus and was baptized. She enjoyed singing with the choir in cantatas, duets, trios, and many solos. She also led childrens choir, taught childrens Sunday School, and worked in Vacation Bible School. During this time precious lifelong friends were developed at church.
Eva was always very involved in the lives of her daughters. She helped in Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, and as a homeroom mother. As the girls grew older, she returned to Central State University to complete her BA and MA degrees in English and Reading. For 12 years, she enjoyed teaching at Hefner Jr. High as a Reading Specialist.
In retirement, Eva thrived on Bible study and friendships formed through Bible Study Fellowship where she served in a variety of leadership roles for 27 years. Evas church and the study of Gods word defined her life. During their later years, Eva and ST traveled extensively with various travel clubs making memories with new and old friends. Eva worked alongside ST in the family business. They always enjoyed family trips to Colorado and Lake Tenkiller.
Surviving Eva are her sister, Jo Ann and husband Bob Barnes, Belton, TX; daughters, Sherri Cook (Jon), Janice Nuttall (Roy); grandchildren, Emily Beaty (Steele), Michael Cook, Matthew Cook (Ali), Jeremy and Cathleen Nuttall. They have also been blessed with five great-granddaughters, Olivia, Caroline and Hannah Cook, and Harper and Dylan Beaty. The family wishes to thank Legends, The Veraden, and Physicians Choice Hospice for their loving care of Eva. The family encourages you to meet them for visitation Sunday, December 2, 3:30- 6 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK. A memorial service to celebrate the remarkable life of Eva Jean Ayers will be Monday, December 3 at 10 a.m. in the Mercer-Adams chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Boys Ranch Town, Salvation Army, or a ministry of your choice.
Visitation with Family Present
Mercer-Adams Funeral Service
Sunday, December 02, 2018
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
3925 North Asbury Avenue
Bethany, Oklahoma 73008
Viewing will be Sunday 11am to 9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service.
Funeral Service
Mercer-Adams Chapel
Monday, December 03, 2018
10:00 AM
3925 N. Asbury
Bethany, OK 73008