Lucy E. Johnson Ayers' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Lucy Elaine Ayers, age 81 of Charleston, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Hilltop Convalescent Center. Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. - Noon at Adams Funeral Chapel. (Visitation will close with Services conducted by the Charleston VFW Ladies Auxiliary Paul McVey Post 1592) It is requested that memorials in her honor be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to Lincolnland Hospice. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Services or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.Lucy was born August 22, 1929 in Clark County, Illinois to the late Frederick, Sr. and Mabel (Liggett) Lewis. She married Keith Johnson on August 22, 1946 in Marshall and they were married only twelve years before his death on February 23, 1959. She later married Howard Earl Ayers, Jr. in Charleston and he preceded her in death on February 23, 1979. She is survived by her children, Diane Halsey and husband George of Charleston, Dr. Steven Johnson and wife Becky of Janesville, Wisconsin, Janice Hudson of Charleston, Debra Guymon of Charleston; ten grandchildren, Brian Halsey and wife Christine of Charleston, Tony Halsey and wife Tiffany of Mapleton, Illinois, Rob Hudson and wife Michelle of Charleston, Christopher Johnson and wife Kerrie of Phoenix, Arizona, Jim Guymon and wife Lisa, Brandi French and husband Mike and Misty Keller, all of Charleston, Jeremy Guymon and wife Becky of Mattoon, Scott Johnson and wife Angela of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Eric Johnson of Arizona; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Smith of Marshall, Illinois, Sandy Bass of Everson, Washington, Carolyn Cork and husband Don of Goleta, California; three brothers, Jack Lewis and wife Betty of West Terre Haute, Indiana, Bob Lewis and wife Peggy and Edwin Lewis, all of Marshall, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents and both husbands, Lucy was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred Lewis, Jr. and Richard Lewis.Lucy was formerly employed by the P.N. Hirsch Company which was located on the Charleston square. She was later employed by Marriott Foods as a baker for the Charleston School District, a position she held until retirement.Lucy was a long-time devoted and faithful member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston. In addition she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); Women of the Moose Charleston Chapter #1175 and the Charleston VFW Ladies Auxiliary Paul McVey Post 1592.Lucy enjoyed spending time in her flower garden, solving crossword puzzles and spending time in the kitchen. She was a marvelous cook and an exceptional baker - her hot dinner rolls were delicious and always in demand. She was devoted to her family and always saw that they were well cared for. She gifted her children with an unconditional love and was a proud and doting grandmother and great-grandmother. The memories of this wonderful woman are now cherished treasures and will remain steadfast in the hearts of her family and friends who dearly loved her. Lucy's memorial website is available at www.adamsfuneralchapel.com where condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on obituaries.Click here to view family memorial.
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