Nancy Ayers Obituary

Nancy Ayers Orangeburg, SC - Nancy Rushton Ayers, 88, of West Columbia formerly of Orangeburg, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 3, 2022, surrounded by family and deep love in her final days. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Thursday, April 7, 2022, at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 1980 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, SC, with the Rev. Larry Hays and Rev. Matthew Gregg officiating. There will be a private burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm in the church fellowship hall. She was born Nancy Lucille Rushton to Lucille Roddey Rushton and Dr. Edward Watson Rushton in Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. Nancy graduated from Orangeburg High School in 1951; and from Winthrop College with a B.A. in Childhood Education in 1954. She earned a Masters in Community and Occupational Programs in Education from the University of South Carolina. She was married to her high school sweetheart of 57 years, Emory Jerome "Bob" Ayers, Jr. Nancy was a gracious southern lady and a devout Christian. Nancy was an educator, lifelong learner, and dedicated letter-writer and was devoted to encouraging others to be their best. Her motivation was to use her given talents to make the world a better place according to God's purposes. Her motto was "bloom where you're planted." She was recognized for contributions to her Orangeburg community, and received numerous awards, including the Spirit Award (2001) and the Austin Cunningham Award (2013), both from the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce, and Citizen of the Year (2007) from the Kiwanis Club. She was a active member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir and led Methodist Youth Fellowship activities. Survivors include her three daughters Kay Ayers-Garren (Charles) of Lexington, SC, Sharon Ayers McCullough (Gary) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Bobbi Ayers Darnell (Bill) of Lexington, SC; one brother, Edward "Eddie" Watson Rushton, Jr. of Durham, NC; one sister, Sally Rushton Miller of Lexington, SC; four grandchildren, Aubrey Minshew (Evan), Austin McCullough, Haley Darnell, and Jacob Darnell; and a number of nieces and nephews In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials are sent to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 1980 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, SC 29115, Aldersgate Ministries c/o The Oaks, 1000 Methodist Oaks Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29115, or Epworth Children's Home, P.O. Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250. Online condolences may be expressed at www.dukesharleyfuneralhome.com or https://www.facebook.com/Dukes-Harley-Funeral-Home-and-Crematory-304968586272868. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston