Harriet Ayers

Harriet Reed Knight Ayers was born November 9, 1917 in Chattanooga, TN, to Christine Knight Wilcox and John W. Knight. The family moved from Valdosta, GA to Orlando in 1923. At the age of 6, and at the suggestion of her doctor, Harriet started dancing lessons for her health. She attended Ebsen School of Dance. She took tap from Buddy Ebsen and ballet from Professor Ebsen and daughter, Velma. Harriet loved dancing and continued lessons all through high school and even after moving back to Valdosta at age 16. Her dance teacher in Valdosta took her to Macon, GA to compete with 50 other students at the request of a Paramount scout. Out of the 50, Harriet was chosen to go to Hollywood to enter school and training. Her Mother said, "No indeed", dancing is only for her health. Harriet received her early education in the schools of Orange County, having graduated from high school in Valdosta, class of 1936 and Fairmount Junior College in Washington, D.C. in 1938. After moving back to Orlando, she was employed as a medical secretary for four years before starting a career of 20 years in banking. Harriet was a 50 year member of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, and charter member of the Downtown Baptist Church. She was also a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy for 40 years and the Central Florida Society, Southern Dames of America. In 1952, she married Gerald Ogden Ayers, her beloved husband of 56 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother and sister-in-law Jamie and Frances Carroll of Valdosta, GA., sisters-in-law, Delores Gaston Ayers, Sue Yancey Brown, and Winnie Yancey Eul, brothers-in-law Seymour L. Ayers (Pete), Harmon Tucker Yancey and Robert D. Ayers, Sr. She is survived by nieces Faith Frye Norwood, Barbara Ayers Dick, Sharon Ayers Bear, Lida Carroll Catikos, Ann Carroll Edwards and nephews, James D. Carroll, Jr., Grady Gaston Ayers, R. David Ayers, and Dr. Darryl L. Ayers of Orlando. A funeral service will be held at the Downtown Baptist Church on Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando. Arrangements by Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando. Flowers are appreciated, however, donations may be made to the Downtown Baptist Church, 120 E. Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801, or Hospice of the Comforter at 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714 or, the charity of your choice. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Visitation

Visitation

Downtown Baptist Church
120 E. Pine Street
Orlando, FL  32801
Monday, November 21, 2016
10:00am-11:00am

Service

Funeral Service

Downtown Baptist Church
120 E. Pine Street
Orlando, FL  32801
Monday, November 21, 2016
11:00am

Cemetery

Greenwood Cemetery
1603 Greenwood Street
Orlando, FL  32801

Memorial Contributions

Hospice of the Comforter
480 W. Central Parkway
Altamonte Springs, FL  32714

Downtown Baptist Church
120 E. Pine Street
Orlando, FL  32801