Joan Lyon Ayers

Joan Sandra Lyon Ayers, 81 of Mt. Gilead, went to her eternal glory Sunday, February 23rd at home surrounded by family.

Joan was born May 30th, 1943, in Elmira NY to the late Sherman Randolph Lyon and Ruth Addie Mizener. On November 26th, 1962, she married William ‘Bill’ Ayers and were together 56 years until his passing in December 2018.

Joan did several different jobs from being a homemaker to a school crossing guard to a service station clerk to a seafood manager at Winn Dixie to a school cafeteria worker until she and her husband retired to their lake house in Twin Harbor. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, crocheting, cooking and gardening until her health declined.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by her sister Shirley VanNostrand, brothers Emory ‘Bruce’ Lyon and Gary Lyon, and granddaughter Alicia Mortenson.

Those left to cherish Joan’s memory are her children; Julie (Todd) Mortenson of Manor, TX, William Jr. (Rita) of Locust, John (Sherri) of Mt. Gilead and Wendy Ayers (Stanley) of Troy. Grandchildren; Michael (Krista) Ayers, Debra, William III, Cassandra, Kassandra, Shelby, Matthew and Kamryn. Great Grandchildren; Trinity, Vaughn, Courtney, Alexis, Evelyn, Trenton and Amber. Great-Great Grandsons; Kyrie and Kyair. Sister Nancy Fitzwater of Gillett, PA and Brother William ‘Bill’ Lyon (Charlotte) of Elmira, NY, Sister-in-law Debby Lyon of Shiremantown, PA. Brother-in-law Daniel Ayers. Special friends Linda Snead and Melissa Morgan-Beaver. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan’s legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. 

The family will receive family and friends on Saturday March 1st, 2025, at 1:30pm at Twin Harbor Worship Center, 220 Deer Park Rd, Mt. Gilead, NC. A memorial service will follow at 2pm. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Joan’s name to Tillery Compassionate Care 901 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001.