Hilda Ayers' Obituary
Hilda Ayers passed from this life into glory on November 20, 2019.
She was born on June 12, 1928, in Jakin, Georgia, just across the Florida-Georgia state line. Her mother, Estelle, had returned to her childhood home with her 18 month old son Harvey Lee (Dick) to have her second child while her husband Joseph Lee Davis stayed home to continue his work as a carpenter. Three weeks later, he returned to pick up his growing family and take them back home to Winter Garden, Florida, in a small frame house at 91 N. Main St.
Winter Garden sits in Central Florida just 10 miles from Orlando, the typical small southern town with a railroad running down the center and diagonal parking in front of a dime store, a barber shop, a bank, a Piggly Wiggly, and a drug store complete with soda fountain. This small town was surrounded by orange groves and packing houses—at least until the Mouse became king.
Hilda graduated from Lakeview High School in 1946 and a year later, on September 6, 1947, married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Ayers. Their strong marriage lasted 64 years, until his death on September 11, 2011. Their first home was in Winter Garden, but with Gerald's job changes and promotions they also lived in Orlando, Palmetto, Tampa, and Orlando once again where he retired.
She was mainly a stay-at-home mom, but whenever the need arose, she took a job and worked as a bank teller, as a clerk in the registrar's office of the University of South Florida, and finally as an administrative assistant in the Orange County School System in Winter Garden, back where it all began.
After retirement they enjoyed a small bit of traveling, but stayed active in the Lord's church wherever they lived. They left behind a string of good deeds, generous gifts, and the strong example of godly lives.
In 2015, Hilda moved to Gainesville to be closer to her older daughter for both companionship and care. She became a member of the Glen Springs Road church and instantly made a host of new friends with her sweet disposition and quick wit. She will be missed by too many to list.
Hilda is survived by her daughters Dene (Mrs. Keith) Ward of Lake Butler and Donna (Mrs. Dennis) Craig of Roanoke, Texas, brother Johnnie (Jan) Davis of Leesburg, sister Bonnie MacDonald of Elijay, Georgia, 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by husband Gerald, brother Harvey Lee (Dick) Davis, and sister Jo Ann Webb.
Her biggest legacy is this: of her 2 children, 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and their appropriate spouses, every one of those who are accountable before God are His faithful children. Her great faith will live on.
A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734.
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