Joy Yates Ayers passed away peacefully on November 17, 2016 surrounded by her daughters. She was born July 30, 1927 to Thomas M. Yates and Minnie A. Yates in Dallas, TX. Her youth and formal education were spent in Texas. She was a graduate of Dallas Art Institute and continued her love of art throughout her life. In the mid 1940s, she was employed by the original Neiman-Marcus, in charge of design and execution of fashion windows. Married to Richard H. White, 1947, and blessed with three daughters: Kathryn, Elizabeth and Sharyn. Married to R.T. Ayers, 1975, with step-children: Tom, Richard, Diana and Steve. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, R.T. Ayers, and step-daughter, Diana Ayers Smith. She is survived by her brother, E.B. Caraway of Muskegon, MI; daughters, Kathryn Oyster, Elizabeth Burnside, Sharyn Cannon; step-children, Tom A. Ayers, Rev. Richard Ayers and Dr. Steve Ayers; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. During her entire life she proclaimed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In the later years, she continued her worship at Crossing Community Church. Viewing will be Sunday, November 20, 11am-9pm at Mercer-Adams. Services will be Monday, November 21, 10:00am at Mercer-Adams Chapel, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK. Funeral Service Monday, November 21, 2016 10:00 AM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008