Lou Mae Breedlove Ayers, 84, of the Maple Springs community of Bryson City, went home to be with her Lord Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Mission hospital after a period of declining health.
A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Bessie Breedlove and one of nine children. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Bob Ayers; one brother, Frank Breedlove, and three sisters; Pauline Winchester, Murrell Calhoun, and Joyce Mcelhannon.
Lou Mae believed in working hard and was employed by Singer Furniture, Tuckaseigee Mills and retired as a CNA. She was always involved in church activities and taught Sunday school at Spruce Grove Baptist for many years and later at Maple Springs Baptist church for over 35 years.
But her greatest earthly joy and treasure was her family as seen on one entire wall of her home covered with family photo’s. Lou Mae is survived by one daughter; Becky Lambert of Birdtown, and two sons; Paul Ayers (Cindi) of Bryson City and Gary Ayers (Byna) of Balsam, three sisters; Glenda Brendle and Virginia King, both of Bryson City, and Byrdell Sparks of Georgia, and one brother, Thad Breedlove of Mt. Holly. She is also survived by great granddaughter Kaitlin Anthony of the home, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews from North Carolina to California.
And the family will never be able to express enough appreciation to Frances Dorsey, mom’s caretaker and close friend for so many months.
Pall bearers were grandsons Ben Ayers, Damon and Brett Lambert, along with great nephews Daniel Cloer and Josh Calhoun, and A.J. Ornelas.
The family received friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Sunday at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City followed by a family/friends graveside service at Maple Springs Cemetery officiated by Rev. Tony Cochran.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maple Springs Cemetery Fund, Attn. Ron Allen, 50 Wagon Wheel Drive, Bryson City, N.C. 28713