Peggy Joyce Ayers

In the late hours of July 10, 2022, Peggy Joyce Hawkins Ayers was called home to be with Jesus after an extended illness. She was one of six children born to Rev. Almon Harrison and Alice Mildred (Walding) Hawkins on January 5, 1942, in Old Hickory, Tennessee. She graduated from Red Bank High School in Chattanooga in 1960.

She married the love of her life, Tommy Ayers, on August 12, 1967, and they had two children. Peggy was part of the women’s ministry and choir, helped with the youth, and enjoyed visiting shut-ins. She was a member of Tremont Baptist, White Oak Baptist, Woodland Park Baptist, and Stuart Heights Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Almon and Alice Mildred (Walding) Hawkins, sister Dorothy (Dottie) Lee Hawkins, father-in-law Lee Ayers, mother-in-law Lucille (Barron) Ayers, brother-in-law Ruel Lee Ayers, and nephew Mitchell Ayers.

Survivors include her husband of almost 55 years, Thomas W. (Tommy) Ayers, daughter Angie (Jimi) Tucker, and son Matt (Jennifer) Ayers. She also had three grandchildren: Lauryn Tucker, and Angelyn and Jackson Ayers, who she loved with all her heart; and two step-grandchildren: Sean and Bella Tucker. She was also the honorary grandmother to Maleah Eldridge, Donovan Shelton, and Mia Locher. Other survivors include her sisters: Nancy (Hawkins) Moore of Chattanooga and Rebecca (Becky) Ann (Mike) Rundles of Gainesville, Georgia, and brothers: David Hawkins of Opelika, Alabama, and John Hawkins of Chattanooga, sisters-in-law Cathren Bonds of Decatur, AL, and Debra (Jack) Love of Chattanooga, brother-in-law Charles (Alicia) Ayers of Chattanooga, along with several nieces and nephews: Thad, Tim, Beth, Mindy (Gerard), Brooke, Daniel, Leslie (Seth), Dana (Clay), Wil (Kristin), Sherrill (Dennis), Ruel Jr. (Maryellen), Lisa, David, and Alana (Kelly) and several great nieces and nephews.

Peggy loved butterflies because of their beauty and loved surrounding herself with flowers. Tommy brought her roses every week as a testimony of his love. She can best be described with these words: dedicated Christian, loving wife, devoted mother, an affectionate Grammy who gave the best hugs ever, and a faithful friend. Her love of God and his word was a blessing to many and her memory will be cherished.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff of Hearth Hospice for their excellent care of Peggy in her last days. Special thanks also to Peggy’s niece, Beth Moore, for her love and support during Peggy’s extended illness.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 16th from 5-7 PM and Sunday, July 17th from 2-3 PM with service to follow at the North Chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home on Hwy 153. Graveside service will be at Chattanooga Memorial Park in Red Bank on Monday, July 18th at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Judes Hospital for Cancer Research or the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Chattanooga, TN.