Anne Ayers Yarbrough

Anne was born July 2, 1943, in Greensboro, NC, the eldest child of Moir Martin Ayers and Lucy Hamilton Little Ayers. Her childhood included the joys of growing up in a close-knit family who valued time together. They prioritized the importance of education and a love for music; and were deeply involved in the life of Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

Anne was the daughter of a church choir director and the church organist, so it was natural that she learned to play the cello and hand bells as well as sing soprano. She was a member of a choir throughout her life.

After graduation from Page High School in Greensboro, Anne attended Woman’s College (now UNC-Greensboro) and earned a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. In doing so, she became next in a long line of educators in her family.

While teaching at Union Cross Elementary School, she volunteered at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, where she met her future husband, Dr. John Yarbrough. They were married in 1969 and together reared three children, Catherine Anne, William Martin, and Lucy Moore, while living in Greensboro, NC and Omaha, NE prior to moving to Columbia, South Carolina.

It was her commitment to family that marked Anne’s adult life. She dedicated herself to supporting John’s career, nurturing their children through their growth process, creating a family environment that reflected their values and beliefs, and made their home a place of comfort. She accomplished all of this with boundless energy and enthusiasm. The kitchen was her favorite family room where everyone gathered for traditional recipes and bold but delicious experimental cuisine.

Anne was extremely creative and had a keen eye and appreciation for beauty. Her embroidery and needlepoint stitchery were exquisite, and after she learned the art of Chrismon ornaments she led three churches in developing a Chrismon ministry. She took immense pride in her craft and the gifting of her creations brought her tremendous joy.

While leading a busy life, Anne found time to volunteer in numerous roles at her church and she was a life-long member of the Afternoon Music Club. She made friends easily through her outgoing personality, infectious smile and deeply held conviction that most people are intrinsically good. Anne was one of those “good people” – selfless, full of grace and compassion. She will be remembered for having lived out the commandment of her Savior… “Love each other as I have loved you.”

Anne is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Dr. John Yarbrough; daughters Catherine Anne Hamilton and Lucy Yarbrough DesPortes (Perrin); and son William Martin Yarbrough (Ashley).

She is also survived by sister Shelton Ayers Styers (Stan), and brother Moir Martin Ayers (Debbie); brother-in-law Cecil Moore Yarbrough (Ron); nephews Brian Hamilton Styers (Cynthia) and Patrick Martin Ayers (Erin); nieces Anne Jennings Styers Viser (Matt) and Anna Ayers Costa (Casey). Five beloved grandchildren also survive her: Grayson Leigh Evans, Matthew David Evans, Jr., Mary Martin Yarbrough, Ayers Elizabeth Yarbrough, and Elizabeth Moore DesPortes.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends in the church parlor immediately following the service.

Special gratitude is expressed to Mrs. Kim Mobley and Mrs. Kellie Blackwell of DayBreak Adult Care and to Mrs. Kendall Harris, RN, and Dr. Karin Jenkins of Prisma Health Hospice for their compassion and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206; Memory and Movement Center of Charlotte NC, 411 Billingsley Rd STE 103, Charlotte, NC 28211.

There will also be a livestream of the service at https://flpc.org/live-streaming-services/