Virginia Ayers

She was born August 19,1931 in Weldon, North Carolina, daughter of the late Kirby and Grace (Worrell) Hardison. She lived with her family in Roanoke Rapids for a time until they moved to Sneads Ferry where she graduated Salutatorian of her Class at Dixon High School. While waitressing at the Riverview Cafe she met a young Marine who would become the love of her life. She and Rodney Ayers were married on May 19, 1950 and remained together until his death, celebrating 71 years of marriage.

After her youngest child started school, Virginia worked as a Census taker and then served the Prince William County School System for over fifteen years, where she worked as a Title I reading assistant and as a kindergarten teaching assistant. While working in the school system, she achieved a lifelong dream, attending Northern Virginia Community College. She retired from teaching in 1997.

Virginia was a dedicated member of the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for many years, catering dinners and raising substantial funds in support of the Department. She was also a dual member of Calvin A. Lloyd Chapter #81, Quantico and Front Royal Chapter # 6, Order of the Eastern Star, where she held several local, and state level offices in her over 60 years of membership. After moving to Culpeper Virginia she became a devoted member of Stevensburg Baptist Church in Stevensburg, Va.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Ayers. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Hardison, sisters Bertha Harper and Dorothy Cernoch, and a grandson, Jason Nathaniel Ayers.

Virginia is survived by her sons Steven Douglas Ayers, Wayne Edward Ayers(Julia), and James Norman Ayers(Pamela) and daughters Deborah Ayers Straw and Cynthia Ayers Parrish(Benjamin, Jr.). Brother Harold Hardison; sisters Patricia Godsey and Geraldine Hardison. Grandchildren Megan Langston(Allen), Lauren Ayers (Dana Plagman), Matthew Cannon(Kristin), Benjamin Parrish III, Caroline Parrish, and Blake Parrish, Granddaughter In-Law Jennifer Ayers . Great-grandsons Ian and Noah Ayers, and Great-granddaughters Emma Grace and Sofie Langston.

She leaves behind her ‘other’ children - Emory and Pam Kelly, special friends Tammy and Dave Jones , Pastor Phil Walker and his wife Cheryl, Marie Newcomer, Sandy Ratliff and Barbara Jean Flanagan. In addition, Virginia is remembered by many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 9, 2026 at Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe HWY Culpeper, Va. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M, service will be officiated by Pastor Phil Walker at 11:30, with a reception to follow immediately at Stevensburg Baptist Church 19393 York Road Stevensburg, VA 22741.

Interment will be at a later date at Culpeper National Cemetery In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Virginia Order of the Eastern Star Dodge-Powell Scholarship fund, or to your favorite charity.