Carolyn Ayres

Reflection of Life Carolyn Louise Collins was born to the late Louise Carrie Collins (Bailey) and John William Floyd on October 21, 1949 in Painter, VA. She transitioned from this life on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at her home in Richmond, Virginia. She was born the eldest of eight children and was raised by her grandparents, Omer and Romelia Collins, who she always referred to as Mama and Daddy. Carolyn loved her grandparents immensely until their passing. Although she was raised with her uncles, Foster Collins, Sr. (Al) and James Collins, they considered themselves siblings. Carolyn was educated in the public schools of Accomack County and graduated high school in 1967. From high school, she went on to complete cosmetology school. She worked at the Clam House in Willis Wharf for 12 years, where she met many lifelong friends. Soon after the closing of the Clam House, Carolyn began employment with Tyson Foods and in 2006 she began employment at Perdue Farms. Although she held many positions, her favorite occupation was selling Avon. You could find Carolyn, to this very day, with a house and car full of Avon products. Selling Avon was her passion, and what she did not sell or use, she would give away as gifts! Carolyn was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Leo Branford Ayres, Sr. on May 17, 1975. Their marriage produced two children, Leo Ayres, Jr. (LB) and Carletha Ayres (Caleat). She became a member of Holy Trinity Baptist Church as a child and through the years, held many roles within the ministry. Her most recent roles included Deaconess, Treasurer, kitchen volunteer, and choir member until her relocation to Richmond, VA. Her last 7 months were spent being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Carolyn loved her family and had an amazing relationship with God. She had many adopted children, who lovingly called her “Mama Carolyn”, “Ms. Carolyn” or “Ms. Ayres.” Carolyn’s voice was soft and sweet, but her spirit and beauty commanded the room. She will be best remembered for her yeast rolls, church punch, and being Richmond’s Spoonbread Champion! Carolyn is survived by: one daughter, Carletha Ayres of Richmond, VA (David); one son, Leo Ayres, Jr. of Petersburg, VA; bonus son, Keyon Kellam; four grandchildren, Leo Ayres, III, Derrick Harmon, Jr., Dahleal Harmon and Branford Leo Ayres; bonus mother, Louise Floyd; four sisters, Elsie Floyd, Margaret Burris, Patricia Brayboy (Jimmy) and Teresa Venson (Dale), all of Dover, DE; two brothers, Maurice Floyd and Clyde Floyd (Wanda), all of Dover, DE; a special niece, Nikola Custis (Tony) of Salisbury, MD; a special nephew, Rashyn Custis (Casey) of Salisbury, MD and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, John William Floyd, her mother, Louise Bailey, husband, Leo Brandford Ayres, Sr., one brother, Norman Turner and sister, Mary Ann Custis. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Ayres, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Carolyn Ayres

October 21, 1949 - February 22, 2018