A devoted and faithful member of Crestview Baptist Church in Austin, Jo Ann found deep joy in her church family and her walk with the Lord. Those who knew her will remember her contagious smile and her love of a good joke. Even in her later years, her quick wit remained. When caregivers finished taking her vitals or offering special care and said, “We’ll see you later,” she would reply with a twinkle, “Thank you for the warning.”
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Woodrow Ayres, and her son, David Russell Ayres. She is survived by her son, Charley Ayres, and his wife, Denise; her grandchildren, Charly Jo Jones and Taylor Elaine Castillo; and her great-grandchildren, Kegan, Britton, and Enzo.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752.
A graveside service will take place Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 N. Interstate 35, Austin, TX.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Warrior Legends Scholarship Fund at Texas A&M University-Central Texas in memory of Jo Ann Ayres.
