Doris Garner Ayers

February 25, 1935 - August 16, 2016
Doris Garner Ayers

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Doris Garner Ayers, age 81, of Wilmington, NC passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016. She passed away very quickly with her daughter by her side immediately after receiving a massage.

Doris was a native of Wilmington born on February 25, 1935. Her parents were Aden Ray Garner and Verma Leitch Garner. Doris was the widow of J.T. (James) Ayers. She lived in Raleigh, NC for 7 years and Greensboro, NC for 24 years, then moved back to Wilmington in 1998. She retired with 36 years of service with the IRS, as a tax auditor and appeals officer.

Doris was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s on-the- Sound Episcopal Church. She was very active in church activities including Circle of Friends, Episcopal Church Women, Cemetery Committee, Endowment Fund Committee, and she sang in the choir until 2016.

When moving back to Wilmington in 1998, Doris jumped in with both feet and became quite involved in community activities. She was a member of the Cape Fear Garden Club for 15 years. She served as co-chair of the Airlie Showcase Garden Committee for 13 of those 15 years. She also sought out and procured gardens for the Secret Garden Tour many years walking many blocks around the city of Wilmington. She also served on the Airlie Garden Foundation.

One of Doris’ biggest and proudest accomplishments was Co-Chair of the WWII Wilmington Homefront Heritage Coalition with Wilbur Jones, and restoration of the Hannah Block USO.

Doris is survived by two daughters, Doane Bridges and Kim Booth; a special cousin who was like a sister to her, Awilda Locke and her husband, Fred Locke; and her special partner and companion, Tessa, an eight pound poodle.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at St. Andrew’s on- the-Sound Episcopal Church officiated by the Rev. Richard Elliot. A reception will follow the service in the church Parrish Hall.

To honor Doris consider a memorial gift to St. Andrew’s on-the-Sound by visiting www.tmcfunding.com in lieu of flowers.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • August 18, 2016
    Vann Poole says:
    I have such wonderful memories with all of you guys. Your Mom was like a second Mom to me. Crazy fun times! I am so sorry for your loss and will thinking of both of you...would love to have a reunion. Please know I will be praying for those that will miss her so much!

  • September 04, 2016
    Deanne and Sean says:
    Doris was a joy to know. She made us laugh and realize how to embrace the day and do what you love. We know she is at peace and so our special prayers for comfort are for our dear friend Doane and sister Kim. God Bless.

  • August 23, 2016
    Carole Honeycutt says:
    Doris was a classy lady. She touched many people in so many ways. She is the mother of two special people on my life. They will miss her dearly. It's tough to lose your mom.

  • August 22, 2016
    Rusti Becker says:
    Doane, I was so pleased to have shared your mom's company one evening. She was a delight for the whole time we spent together. I liked her right away. I could easily see how you turned out to be the great Gal you now are. Doris had a special way of making everyone feel at ease in her presence, no matter the circumstances. She even won over the wait staff, who had neglected our bread for the meal, without causing them any unnecessary embarrassment. It was also so very apparent the love you two shared. I know you'll miss her. She was a true "Southern" Lady.

  • August 19, 2016
    dorothy m paul says:
    Doane and Kim, You have our sincere sympathy for the sudden loss of your Mother. Thoughts and prayers are with the both of you and all her family she leaves behind. Love and Light, Dorothy McGowan Paul & Family