Hattie Lee Ayers

Hattie Wright Ayers, born on February 26, 1928, in Pittsburg, Texas, to Sidney Alexander Wright and Flora Hannorah Russell Wright, peacefully passed away on December 4th, 2023. After the untimely loss of her parents in 1942, at the age of 14, Hattie found solace with an older sibling and completed her education in Houston, Texas. She graduated from San Jacinto High School and began working while still attending school. At the young age of 18, she met her one true love, Samuel "Hugh" Ayers, and they married after a brief 3-month courtship in 1946. Hattie and Hugh built a beautiful life together in Houston, Texas, where they raised their two children, Samuel Ayers (from Hugh's previous marriage) and Nora Lynn Ayers.

Hattie is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Rebecca Glenn Gindele (Joshua Gindele), Melissa Lynn Manzelmann, Daniel Manzelmann (Kalyn Manzelmann), and Matthew Ayers. She also leaves behind a legacy cherished by her great-grandchildren, Samuel Hibbert, Axel Hibbert, Nora Gindele, George Gindele, and Jaxson Manzelmann.

Preceding her in death are her parents and siblings Florence Mae, Elwyn Alexander, Harris, Gabrel, and Emma Sue. Hattie also mourned the loss of her husband Hugh, her daughter Lynn, and her stepson Samuel.

For over three decades, Hattie dedicated her career as an administrative assistant at Hughes Tool Company. When not working, she found joy in cooking, baking, crocheting blankets or afghans, gardening, and playing cards or dominos. Hattie retired early and settled with her husband Hugh on their farmland just outside the small town of Cleveland, Texas. There, they cultivated a variety of fruits and vegetables, and Hattie's talent for canning and preserving their bountiful crops flourished. The farm became a place of happiness, where her daughter and three grandchildren would often visit from Houston, immersing themselves in the beauty of small-town farm life.

After more than a decade of cherished moments on the farm and an active retirement, Hattie and Hugh returned to Houston in 1990, settling in Northwest Houston to be closer to their daughter Lynn and witness the growth of their grandchildren. However, tragedy struck two years later when Hugh passed away at the age of 80, leaving Hattie, then 64, to embark on a new chapter in life. Hattie found purpose and fulfillment in the Child Development Program at Lakewood United Methodist Church, where she dedicated her time and love to teaching and caring for preschool-aged children. In 2014, after bidding farewell to her beloved role, Hattie relocated to Austin, Texas, to be near her granddaughters, Rebecca and Melissa, and to relish in the joys of watching her great-grandchildren grow.

A memorial service to celebrate Hattie's life will be held on December 12th at 11 am at her cherished church, Lakewood Methodist on Louetta Road. Following the service, a brief reception will be held at Lakewood as well. The ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Jacob Torrez. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to The Miracle Foundation at https://www.miraclefoundation.org. The Miracle Foundation, founded by Caroline Boudreaux, a close family friend, provided invaluable support to Hattie and her family as her care needs increased. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Carolyn Nicewarner for being an amazing friend to Hattie and the family and for being by Hattie's side during her final moments.