Mariett Ayers Eggleston

She was born June 25, 1937, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Virginia (Little) and James Ferguson Ayers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Jim, and her sister, Janet Gordon.

Mariett is survived by her three sons Eric (Debbie), Mark (Tara), and Tom (Lori); and seven grandchildren: Hannah, Liam, Eli, Colin, Mallory, Darcy, and Ann-Cambell.

Mariett earned her bachelor’s degree in 1958 from Westhampton College, and in 1990, her Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a proud proponent of education, teaching math with both passion and creativity. She was head of Monacan High School’s math department from the 1980s until her retirement in 2002. Mariett’s hobbies included rooting for all things VA Tech alongside her husband Jim; snow skiing; spending time at the beach with friends; and a deep commitment to servitude. Amongst her many volunteer contributions, she cherished her time as a docent at the Virginia Governer’s mansion, playing in the St. Luke Bell Choir; delivering Meals on Wheels; and chairing the Richmond Tri-Club Women’s Club. However, Mariett’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved to cook, and weekends and holidays would find her in the kitchen whipping up all kinds of delicious meals and treats from scratch. Her adoring grandkids were anxious to be appointed as her “sous chefs” to help prepare full-course feasts. She was happiest when she had a house full of family, friends, or friends who were considered family, gathered for a meal around her table. Mariett will be remembered by many students, friends, and family as a woman of infinite kindness, patience, and optimism.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 9th at 2 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 7757 Chippenham Parkway, Richmond, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her memory at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (nctm.org).