Ernest “Everett” Ayers, 88, died Thursday, July 16, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Taylorville, Illinois.
Everett was born to Ernest and Marguerite (Brunk) Ayers in their home on July 31, 1937, in Cotton Hill Township, Sangamon County, Illinois. He attended Pawnee schools. During high school, he played center on the Pawnee High School basketball team and was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He graduated in 1955 and began working full-time on the family farm.
Everett served six years in the Army National Guard and was activated during the Berlin Crisis. He attained the rank of Specialist 5, received recognition for his rifle marksmanship, and earned an honorable discharge in March 1963.
On August 31, 1958, he married Joyce Ione Mulvaney at New City United Methodist Church. They made their home in Taylorville, Illinois, where they raised three daughters – Bonita, Rita, and Anita. As a family, they were active members of Taylorville’s United Methodist Church (UMC). Everett faithfully participated in church and community activities while he and Joyce owned and operated their family farm. Together they grew corn, soybeans, and wheat, raised cattle and hogs, and cultivated vegetable gardens along with a small orchard of apple and peach trees. A creative man, Everett liked woodworking, metal fabricating, and landscaping.
In 1988, Everett and Joyce sold their farm and moved to New Minden, near Nashville in southern Illinois. Everett was recruited by Nascote Industries, where he worked until his retirement in 2004. In July 2022, they returned to Taylorville.
Everett will be remembered for his cheerful disposition, ear-to-ear grin, and his enjoyment of gathering with people to play dominoes, pinochle, and to assemble puzzles. Everett had two favorite pies. Hot. And cold.
Everett is survived by his daughters, Bonita Ayers Davis and Anita Ayers (Ken) Henderlight; grandchildren, Brandon (Leah) Davis, Blake (Stevi) Davis, Brooke Davis, Elliott (Andrea) Crowder, Jolena Crowder, Kathy (Floyd) Moretto, and Michael (Debra) Henderlight; great-grandchildren, Lila and Elise Davis, Camden, Lucas, and Finley Davis, Sienna Crowder, Craig (Jessie) Cobb, and Justin Henderlight; son-in-law, David Crowder; sister-in-law, Jennie Lou Ayers; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by wife, Joyce Ayers; daughter, Rita Ayers Crowder; parents, Ernest and Marguerite Ayers; parents-in-law, Doyle and Stella (Ritter) Mulvaney; and brother, Jesse Ayers.
Bonita and Anita appreciate the nurses of Quad County Hospice, caregivers Kathy Pitchford and Terri Walker, family friend Cindy Diss, and Everett’s neighbors for helping with his care in recent weeks.
Funeral visitation is 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Sutton Memorial Home, 327 N. Clay St., Taylorville, IL 62568. The Rev. Scott Wilbur will lead a service of remembrance at Noon, followed by graveside rites at Oak Hill Cemetery officiated by the Rev. Father John C. Burnette. The public is invited to attend.
Gifts in memory of Everett may be given to First UMC, 200 S. Walnut St., Taylorville, IL 62568, or to the Taylorville High School Future Farmers of America Club (FFA), 815 W Springfield Road, Taylorville, IL 62568.
