Official Obituary of
Shirley Diane Ayers
June 28, 1945 ~ June 15, 2024 (age 78) 78 Years Old
Shirley Ayers Obituary
Shirley Diane Ayers passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Palm Harbor, FL. Born on June 28, 1945, in East Cleveland, OH, Shirley's life was a tapestry of devotion to her family, her church, and her many passions.
Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 24 years, Elmer "Sonny" Ayers III, who passed just months before her, and her parents, Robert Nieman and Lucille Rodd. Her legacy continues through her children, Brenda (Harold) Richards, Christopher (Sheila) Crawford, stepchildren Melissa (Bill) Hartman, Michael (Angela) Ayers, Tammy (Keith) Dayton, Kathy (Kris) Keasey, her sister Carol Vecchio, her cherished 22 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.
Professionally, Shirley was a respected market researcher, known for her keen insight and dedication. Her involvement with the Thonotosassa Church of God was a testament to her faith-filled life, where she also shared her passion for painting, teaching others in her spare time. Shirley's love for gardening was evident in the care she gave to the Royal Oak Nursery in Seffner, FL, which she helped manage alongside her husband, Sonny.
Shirley and Sonny shared a love for dancing, a rhythm that reflected the harmony of their lives together. Those who knew Shirley would describe her as loving, faith-filled, and passionate—a woman who lived her life with purpose and grace.
As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart." Shirley's life was a living embodiment of this belief, touching the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Thonotosassa Church of God. 11702 Taylor Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300
Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 24 years, Elmer "Sonny" Ayers III, who passed just months before her, and her parents, Robert Nieman and Lucille Rodd. Her legacy continues through her children, Brenda (Harold) Richards, Christopher (Sheila) Crawford, stepchildren Melissa (Bill) Hartman, Michael (Angela) Ayers, Tammy (Keith) Dayton, Kathy (Kris) Keasey, her sister Carol Vecchio, her cherished 22 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.
Professionally, Shirley was a respected market researcher, known for her keen insight and dedication. Her involvement with the Thonotosassa Church of God was a testament to her faith-filled life, where she also shared her passion for painting, teaching others in her spare time. Shirley's love for gardening was evident in the care she gave to the Royal Oak Nursery in Seffner, FL, which she helped manage alongside her husband, Sonny.
Shirley and Sonny shared a love for dancing, a rhythm that reflected the harmony of their lives together. Those who knew Shirley would describe her as loving, faith-filled, and passionate—a woman who lived her life with purpose and grace.
As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart." Shirley's life was a living embodiment of this belief, touching the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Thonotosassa Church of God. 11702 Taylor Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300
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