Mary Ayers Everitt

Mary Edna Ayers was born February 6, 1941 in Froglevel, Arkansas to Sherman Cecil and Erma Edna Pickett Ayers. She was welcomed into the family as the youngest child, by her brother, Willie (Sonny); sisters, Nola and Bobbie. In 1960 she met the love of her life, Travis Don Everitt. Travis and Mary had a short courtship when Travis pulled over on the side of the road outside of Eustace and asked her if she would like to live "right up over the hill". Having no idea where she was at, Mary said, "I would love it!" They were married on December 30, 1960 in a small ceremony at Payne Springs Baptist Church. They worked tirelessly to acquire the 50 acres from multiple family members, where they built that home, with their own beautiful children; Robin, Rodney, and Kristi. Mary was the best wife and mother anyone could ask for. She always encouraged her kids to serve the Lord and prayed for them constantly.

Mary worked several jobs during her lifetime, most of them involved ministering to children in some way. She also loved farming and gardening alongside her husband. They always had abundant gardens and beautiful roses and flowers. She was the best cook around and loved cooking for her big family. She is known far and wide for her chocolate gravy!

One of her biggest pride and joys in life were her grandbabies! You could often find her rocking a baby, singing her special made-up nursery rhymes, going to soccer games, having a tea party, making Ramen noodles, taking them each on a birthday trip to Dollar Tree & McDonalds. She would take them to Braum's and get ice cream anytime they were near one. Nanny and Papaw took many trips to their cabin in Arkansas. They would take off with as many kids as they could fit in the truck and spend a week at a time. There they would fish, hunt, and go on adventures and Nanny would make sure everyone was fed good! You could guarantee when you came to her house it would be clean and there would be food on the table. She loved her family fiercely.

Mary loved Jesus and came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ when she was a young girl. She followed the Lord her whole life and made sure to marry a Christian man. They raised their children to love the Lord and led by example to not only her kids and grandkids but to many other kids throughout the years. Travis and Mary worked with youth and young people and made a huge impact on many lives. Their home was and is always open to whoever needed a safe space. She had the sweetest voice and loved music. Her prayers would warm your heart and fill your eyes with tears. She prayed fervently for her family and friends. She was faithful servant of Christ and we know she was greeted by the Father when she took her last breath.

Mary left her earthly body March 31, 2025 surrounded by almost all of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

She is survived by her faithful, loving husband of 64 years, Travis Don; son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Tammi Everitt; daughters and son-in-laws, Robin and David Duderstadts, Kristi and Adam Key; son-in-law, Troy Lee Taylor and adopted son, Mike Uptergrove; grandkids: TL and Rebecca Taylor, Amos Luke and Cera Taylor, Bryan, Jordan, Koby, Skyler Duderstadt, Chelsey and Ryan Kerski, Micah Everitt, Makaye and John Mendez, Nancy and Matthew Arnold, Chloe and Mitchell Gebauer, Mary and Abigail Key; great grands: Ezraine and Martin Spoon, Annalee, Ben, Henry, Zoe, Malachi, Everitt and Eden Taylor, Wynona Mendez, Hayven, Hayzlee, Knox and Koda Arnold and Jamie Gebauer; one great-great grandson, Samuel Spoon; several nieces, nephews and many friends and loved ones. grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2 p.m.at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Payne Springs Cemetery.