Wilma Jean Ayers

Wilma Jean (Laster) Ayers , 90, of Fort Smith, died peacefully, Thursday, November 27, 2014. She was born October 14, 1924, in Harmony, AR. to Clyde and Maude Geisler Laster. Wilma was a supporter of the arts and a former Board member of the Fort Smith Arts Center, a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority, and was a long-time patron of the Salvation Army. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and also a Foundation member of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, formerly Westark Community College. She was first a wife and mother, but she was also an avid golfer and bowler. She enjoyed spending time on Lake Tenkiller, OK, and Lake Ouachita, AR. She is survived by four daughters, Patricia and husband Mike Stanton of Fort Smith, Karen and husband Ed Mahoney of Maumelle, AR., Jeana and husband Scott Cartwright of Bryant, AR., and Cheryl Ann Hopper of Fort Smith; one step daughter, Jane J. Ayers of Los Angeles, CA; one son, James C. and wife Vicki Hopper of Fort Smith; and two step sons, John W. and wife Rose Mary Ayers of Fort Smith and Bill Ayers of Rogers, AR; eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John G. Ayers. Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 1:00 PM in the First United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Forest Park Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Cory Hopper, Phillip Conley, Caleb Stanton, Ret Taylor, John W. Ayers, Jr., Jody Ayers, and Randy Ayers. The family will greet friends on Monday, December 1, 2014 at Edwards Funeral Home from 5-7 PM Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army 301 North 6th Fort Smith, AR 72901 or The Fort Smith Art Center 1601 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72901.