Gloria “Kay” Nash Ayers, 77, of Statesville, N.C., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Gordon Hospice House surrounded by her family.

Kay was born on March 3, 1946, in Iredell County to the late Newell “Jim” Nash and Marcus “Tootie” Privette Nash. She loved the Lord and showed it through her dedication to her church, Fern Hill Baptist, and teaching children’s classes for many years. Kay enjoyed being outdoors and being with her family. She was always positive, even in the last days of her life.

In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Ayers, who passed in 2013; and her sister, Sandy Johnson.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Tammy Ayers Pope (Stephen), Michael Ayers (Jennifer), Ronald Ayers (Summer), and Mary Ayers Thomas (Ricky); grandchildren, Zachary Pope (Amber), Samuel Pope (Becca), Michael Ayers Jr. (Hayley), Hannah Pope (Timothy), Brandon Ayers (Maddy), Jessica Ayers, Justin Meadows and Halee Thomas. Also surviving are Kay’s great-grandchildren, Taylor Mae Pope, Maesyn Pope, Josiah Pope, Leigha Pope, Barrett Pope, Moses Morgan, Adrian Morgan, Landon Ayers and River Ayers; and her sisters, Judy Hooks and Jane Strauss.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 31, at Calvary Baptist Church in Union Grove, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 1, at Calvary Baptist Church in  Union Grove at 2 p.m. with Rev. Stephen Pope, Jesse Stroud, Zachary Pope and Dr. Darrell Cox officiating. Burial will follow the service at Fern Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Those wishing to make donations in Kay’s memory are asked to consider Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.