John Wesley Ayers: Minister, Teacher, Missionary
John went to be with Jesus on May 26, 2023, at 7:30 am
Born in Atlanta, Georgia January 3, 1930, to George Leonard and Martha Ayers. John’s surviving family includes Virginia Paratore, (Sal), James Ayers, Bill Ayers, Mark Ayers, (Kate), Dan Ayers, (Becky), Joy Pirkle, (Darrell), Jon Ayers, (Kathy), fifteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and three great, great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his loving wife, Yvonne, all his siblings, two sons, and two grandsons.
John was an avid athlete, in baseball and football, and even played semi-pro baseball in Atlanta. He took up golf at age 70 so he could spend time with his sons. But John’s greatest accomplishment was serving his Lord, Jesus Christ. He recalled how he felt God’s calling him to the mission field while attending Truett McConnell College. John was a missionary to Africa, Moldova, and St. Petersburg. In his study Bible, John lists places he ministered to during his missionary trips including the number in attendance and the number who came to know Jesus.
John’s family was his focus. He led Bible study in our home, engaged his children in conversations about their life, and seemed to always be interested in “what have you been up to.”
Funeral services are scheduled for 3:30 PM Saturday, June 3, 2023, at The Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. A live stream of service can be viewed here https://vimeo.com/event/3452636 Interment will follow at Yonah View Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 2:30-3:30 PM Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, North Carolina, or to a Hospice House of your choosing.
Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, GA 706-865-3101
