Mary Ayers

Dr. Mary Catherine Nesbitt Ayers, retired Professor of Early Childhood Education at Tenn. Tech University, died on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 after being bedridden for several years. She was 78. Dr. Ayers grew up in Weaverville, daughter to the late William A. Nesbitt and Annie Jewell Bass Nesbitt. Graduating from North Buncombe High School, she attended Appalachian State University for a Master's degree and University of Georgia where she received her Doctorate in 1968. She spent several years as a class room teacher and taught at Western Carolina University and the University of South Carolina before joining the Tenn. Tech staff in 1972. She married Dr. Jerry Bart Ayers in 1969 and both were employed by Tenn. Tech throughout their work careers. There were no children and the couple enjoyed visiting all major continents and many famous places to deliver authored papers and participate in conferences. Jerry died in 1999 during a surgical procedure. Mary retired in 2004, remaining in Cookeville during retirement. She is survived by her only sibling, William Harold Nesbitt of Woodbridge, VA, his wife Geri, nephews, William Arthur, James Harold, and Taft Bernard and two grandnephews. A graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Cane Creek Cemetery in Fairview, N.C. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at West Funeral Home, Weaverville prior to the graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a Tenn. Tech scholarship fund being established in Mary's name (TTU Foundation, PO Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505). Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.