Betty Jo Hunt Ayers, 89, died Tuesday, July 9, in Chattanooga, surrounded by family. She was born on Dec. 14, 1929, in Wildwood and lived her entire life there. She was a graduate of Dade County High School and Edmonson School of Business.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, James Clifford (J.C.) Ayers, and parents, Claude and Josie Patterson Hunt, all of Wildwood, and several brothers and sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Larry and Eric Ayers, both of Wildwood; one daughter, Diane Ayers (Allen) Hoffman of Kennesaw, Ga.; one grandson, Jason (Dana) Pless; great-grandsons Phoenix, Noah, Wyatt and Hudson Pless, all of Canton, Ga.; and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
Mrs. Ayers was a devoted wife, a doting mother, a loving grandmother and a loyal friend to many who knew her. She was a businesswoman who co-owned North Georgia Heating and Air for 28 years and a lifelong member of Wildwood Methodist Church. She served at various times as the church treasurer and Sunday school teacher.
Mrs. Ayers was long active in school activities such as the local PTA. She also worked as a volunteer for Ben Haden and the Changed Lives organization at the First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. She was dearly loved by her family, relatives and friends and will be greatly missed.
Betty and J.C. led a blessed life and were able to travel the world in their younger years. Traveling was one of Betty’s passions and she always brought back artwork and memorabilia from all over the world. She took up painting as a hobby in her retired years and always enjoyed her time with her Dade County Senior friends in Trenton.
Our family’s appreciation goes to Mrs. Ayers' niece, Mary Babb, for her love, dedication and hard work as Betty’s part-time caregiver. We would also like to thank the staff of Hospice of Chattanooga for their kindness and care.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 12, at noon in the chapel of Ryan Funeral Home with Rev. Reese Fauscett officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 11 a.m. until service time at Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton.
To share expressions of sympathy, visit ryanfuneralhome.net.
