Wilma Jean (Laster) Ayers

Wilma Jean (Laster) Ayers, 90, of Fort Smith died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. She was born Oct. 14, 1924 in Harmony, Ark. to Clyde and Maude Geisler Laster. Wilma was a supporter of the arts and a former board member of the Fort Smith Arts Center, a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority and was a long-time patron of the Salvation Army. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and also a Foundation member of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, formerly Westark Community College. She was first a wife and mother, but she was also an avid golfer and bowler. She enjoyed spending time on Lake Tenkiller, Okla. and Lake Ouachita, Ark. She is survived by four daughters, Patricia and husband, Mike Stanton of Fort Smith, Karen and husband, Ed Mahoney of Maumelle, Ark., Jeana and husband, Scott Cartwright of Bryant, Ark. and Cheryl Ann Hopper of Fort Smith; one step-daughter, Jane J. Ayers of Los Angeles, Calif.; one son, James C. and wife, Vicki Hopper of Fort Smith and two step-sons, John W. and wife, Rose Mary Ayers of Fort Smith and Bill Ayers of Rogers, Ark.; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John G. Ayers. Funeral service will be Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Forest Park Cemetery, all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Cory Hopper, Phillip Conley, Caleb Stanton, Ret Taylor, John W. Ayers Jr., Jody Ayers and Randy Ayers. The family will greet friends on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 at Edwards Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 301 North 6th Fort Smith AR 72901, or The Fort Smith Art Center, 1601 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith AR 72901. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.