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Eleanor Ayer Obituary
She had resided on the Peninsula for 86 years as a homemaker, a wife, a mom, a nannie and a friends to many. She had been a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church since 1955 and member of the TEL Sunday School and The Heart Throbs Senior Adult Choir.
Born in 1917 to Dois I. Sr. and Inez H. Rosser in Lynchburg, Va., Mrs. Ayer graduated from Hampton High School and attended Newport News Business School. She was one of five siblings.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry W. Ayer Sr.; her son, Dois E. Ayer; and two beloved brothers, Lyle H. Rosser, and the Rev. Dr. Aubrey "Buddy" J. Rosser.
Left to cherish her memory are one son, Henry "Sammy" Ayer Jr. and his wife, Betty of Newport News; one brother, Dois I. Rosser Jr. and wife, Shirley; also one sister, Lillian R. Moore and her late husband, Leslie. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Henry Ayer III, Marianne Ayer-Mette, Denise Newman, Krysten Ayer, Wayne Keller, Michael Ayer, William Ayer, and Sammy Ayer. She is survived by numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Eleanor loved life and taught many of us much wisdom. She always had a listening ear and a helping hand. She often had a story to tell and we all thought she could write a novel. Her door has been opened to many and her heart to everyone.
The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home from 12:30 to 2 p.m. followed by a celebration of her life to be held at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home beginning at 2 p.m., conducted by Dr. Cynthia Higgins. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. Following the service the family will be at Sammy and Betty's home, 100 Kestrel Ct., Newport News.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to all of her loyal friends, especially those at the Northampton Convalescent Center for their kind gestures of love and prayers.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Leukemia Society or Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Ayer
paul parker
November 11, 2009
Dear Ayer Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Paul & Gina Parker
Lori Eick
November 4, 2009
Dear Ayer Family,
We will miss Great Aunt Elenor. Last March we were out for a visit , and she treated us to dinner. We had such a wonderful time. I am grateful my children were able to know her. As she aged, she reminded me of her mother, Nanny. She is greatly loved. Lori (Rosser- Lyle Jr.'s daughter) Eick and family
November 2, 2009
Dear Sam and Ayer family, we are saddened by the news of your dear mother's passing. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love - Wendy and Steve Norwood
Kelly Rosser
November 2, 2009
A woman after God's own heart. Aunt Eleanor was always so loving and kind to all of us. She will be greatly missed and of course never forgotten.
Linda (Rosser) Lam
November 2, 2009
Whenever I thought of my "Hampton" family, Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Sam were the first to come to mind. There home and hearts were always open. They both will be deeply missed.
Now, as she joins him in heaven, we have peace in knowing that they are watching over us.
November 1, 2009
Sam, We would like to express our deepest sympathies to you and the family for your loss. Special family memories will help all of you during
these difficult days. Hold tight to
those and each other.
Sam and Ann Trapani
Nathaniel Saunders
November 1, 2009
Nov 01,2009
Sammy and Family,
I have known the Rosser family all my life,and lived near D.I.
Eleanor will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
Kendra Briglia-Merrell
November 1, 2009
To the Entire Ayer Family:
My thoughts and prayers will be with you during the difficult time. I didn't have the opportunity to have long conversations with "Nannie", but I feel that I know her well. I've grown up with her grandchildren and it is in them that I see the wonderful woman she was. I like to say that it isn't the steps that you take in life...it is the footsteps you leave behind. Her grandchildren are her beautiful footsteps. To Henry, Marianne, & Krysten...I knew you the best and it is evident by the people you have become, your Nannie was extraordinary!
All Our Love & Condolences,
Darryl & Kendra (Briglia)Merrell Brittany and Joshua Cromer
Steve Green
November 1, 2009
Henry and Family:
Sorry for the loss of your beloved Nannie.Our thoughts are with you and your family.
the Greens
October 31, 2009
Dear Sammy and family,
Knowing and loving your Mom as our family did, (she was Johnny's Godmother) I'm sure you know how much she was thought of and will be missed. Our deepest sympathy.
The McNiders, Carey, Maggie, Melissa, and Johnny
Denver,Co.
October 31, 2009
Dear Sammy:
Jackie and I were sadden to learn of your mother's passing. It is always a painful experience to confront. The efforts of others to soften the pain, although well intended, still leave a sense of loss which only time can heal.
We pray that God will comfort you and your family in this moment of great loss.
- Bill & Jackie Hammond, Newport News
Debbie Boroughs
October 31, 2009
We have lost a marvelous woman and heaven has welcomed an angel. Our thoughts are with you Sammy, Marianne, Henry, Krysten and Michael and the rest of her loving family.
TOM DORMAN
October 31, 2009
"SAM AND HENRY" IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
Linda Fulghum
October 31, 2009
Sammy and family, I hope the love you have for your mother holds you tight now..I am so sorry.
David & Janice Topping
October 30, 2009
Sammy,
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother.
May Gods Grace be with you and your family at this time.
Alan Vaughan
October 30, 2009
Henry, Marianne and Big Sammy, I'm sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families at this time. Nannie and your Pops were two very special people that I will always remember with a smile. I can almost taste the sweet Virginia ham just thinking about your Nannie and the many sandwiches I consumed in her kitchen in my youth. Some people were put on this earth to live there lives as an example to others. I know I'm a better person for just having had the chance to know them both. God bless you all at this time.
Maresa Spangler
October 30, 2009
Thinking of Marianne and Henry and their extended family.....I know Nannie was a beloved matriarch of their family and that she will be missed.
Maresa Firth Spangler and family
Roula Valentin
October 30, 2009
Eleanor was a wonderful lady....I was her hairdresser for 40 years and she will be greatly missed by all...My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Angie Fulcher
October 30, 2009
What a good and long life she led. I am sorry to my Brother and Sister's family for your loss. I know how much Henry and Marianne adored her, as I am sure everyone did. Nannie is now with our other Grandmother in Heaven, I bet they are playing bridge. :) Remember to love your family, they are all you have, and remember the good times with your Nannie and smile. Angie (Gulledge), Aaron, Lindsey, Joey and Hudson Fulcher
Rebekah Ayer
October 30, 2009
owen loved going to visit nanny at her home...we miss her dearly...she was a wonderful and loving grandmother...
Dale Bliss
October 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gail Daniels
October 30, 2009
Henry and family, please accept our condolences for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Michael, Gail,Miranda and Brady
Pam Garrett Chalkley
October 30, 2009
Mrs. Ayer had a heart as big as the outside and dissernment over her heart. After Katlyn was born, my husband Les and I were going to watch her for Jim and Krysten while they were out of town. We were to pick her up from the Ayer's home. When we stopped by to check on her, Eleanor expressed concern about us being capable of looking after her great granddaughter. She said that once she saw how comfortable Katlyn was with us and the tenderness that Les showed to Katlyn that she then felt that Katlyn would be safe and cared for properly. She had GREAT love for her family.
October 30, 2009
A great lady is gone, but will never be forgotten by so many of us...
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