Joan Ayers

Joan Annette Ayers, 76, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, July 14, 2016, at The Lutheran Home.

She was born Nov. 6, 1939, in Cape Girardeau to Vernal L. and Bessie McGee Smith.

She and Ralph J. Ayers were married July 9, 1977, at Essex, Missouri. He passed away Feb. 16, 1992.

Joan did housekeeping for families in Dexter, Missouri.

She was a member of New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Kimberely D. Smith of Cape Girardeau; four sons, Bruce E., Stanley G. and Elliott J. Smith, all of Cape Girardeau, and Greg L. Smith of Independence, Missouri; two stepsons, Rufus Ayers of St. Louis and Jackie Ayers of Gainesville, Florida; a stepdaughter, Brenda F. Porter of Malden, Missouri; a brother, Vernal Smith of Claremont, California; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; stepmother, Marjorie Smith; and sister, Helen Ayers.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Greater Dimension Ministries in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at noon Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. William Bird Jr. officiating.

Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.