Mary Frances Finney Ayres, of Onley, Virginia, was called home to eternal rest on August 3, 2017 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. “Frances,” as she was affectionately known, was born on June 27, 1933 in Onley, Virginia. She was the beloved daughter of Harold Drummond and Maggie Finney.
Frances was educated in the Accomack County Schools. She was employed for over twenty-five years with the county as a custodian at Parksley Middle School. After retirement, she enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, as well as the neighborhood children and loved looking at soap operas.
Frances was united in holy wedlock to the late Ray Ayres on July 30, 1961; they shared fifty-one years of marriage. From this union five children were born, Ernest, Mable, Frances, James, and Lenell.
Frances accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She was a dedicated member and Deaconess of St. Mark Baptist Church. She was also the mother of the neighborhood, who raised many other children.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Ayres, her son, Ernest Ayres, and a grandson, Robert Finney, Sr.
Frances leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Mable Ayres and Frances (Perry) Bailey, both of Onley, VA; two sons, James (Shirley) Ayres of Painter, VA and Lenell (Marguerite) Ayres of Locustville, VA; daughter-in-law, Yvonne Ayres of Onley, VA; fifteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; five great, great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ella Mae Savage of Locustville, VA, Lillie Mae Gravitt of Philadelphia, PA, and Carletha Savage of Philadelphia, PA; three sisters-in-law, Effie (Fred) Snead and Margaret Ayres, both of Onley, VA, and Gracie (Michael) Knox of Melfa, VA; goddaughter, Betty Pettit; special friend, Betty Nock; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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