Mary Ayers

Mary Ayers obituary, Sanford, NC

Mary Ayers

Mary Ayers Obituary

Visit the Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Mary Ruth Doby Ayers, 97, of Cameron, passed away Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2025, at Moore Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Mary Ruth was born in Moore County, July 30, 1928, to the late Roma Doby and Feby Jarrell Doby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse A. Ayers Sr., her son, Jesse A. Ayers Jr., her son-in-law Michael Carlyle; brothers, Paul Doby, Walter Doby, Lacy Doby, David Doby and Odell Doby.

She is survived by her children, Elaine Gunter (Lowell), Aline Carlyle, Jeff Ayers (Stacey) all of Cameron; grandchildren Jonathan Gunter (Christy), Jennifer Pascarella, Chris Carlyle (Jessica), Brandi Ayers, Jessica Perdue (Doug), Nick Ayers, Ashley Dean (Braxton), Alison Dickens (Sam) Aaron Ayers (Hunter) and Jayden Ayers; great-grandchildren, Jake Ayers, Brian Ayers, Julian Perdue, Makayla Brewer, Cristina Pascarella, Gracelynn Dickens, Jack Dickens, Elsie Dean, William Dean and Eloise Dickens; daughter-in-law Roxanne Ayers; sister Hetty Nicholson and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ruth was a hard worker on the farm, in the yard and at the Fastop Grill. A matter-of-fact person, she wasn’t one to show her emotions but was devoted to and loved her family more than anything in the world. Her strong will and determination have served as a guide to her children and their families their entire life.

She was a lifelong member of Lemon Springs Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends at Lemon Springs Baptist Church on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 from 2 p.m until 3 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home

509 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC 27330

Make a Donation
in Mary Ayers's name

How to support Mary's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Ayers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more