Jimmie Lois Ayers Irwin went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in Pensacola, Florida.
She was born on July 13, 1928, the fifth child of James Henry Ayers and Mamie Lee Watson Ayers in Sink Creek, Florida. She is survived by daughters, Susan (Austin) Tatum of Tallahassee, and Sandra (Bob) Hofer of Pensacola; three grandchildren, Elizabeth (Bill) Athans, of Clermont, Florida, Michael Tatum and Kathryn Tatum of Tallahassee; great grandchildren, Austin Athans, Andrew Athans, and Aiden Athans of Clermont, Florida; sister, Mamie (Doyle) Green of Marianna; nephews, George (Jamellia) Cone, David (Ginger) Malloy, all of Marianna, Dale (Marie) Malloy of Oracle, Arizona, Michael (Linette) Ayers of Olathe, Kansas, Vann Green of St.Petersburg, Florida; and also special family friends, Diane Mohamette and Nonnye Grant of Tallahassee.
Jimmie was predeceased by her husband, Henry Sapp Irwin; parents, James Ayers and Mamie W. Ayers, sisters, Leola (Duvard) Mercer, Louise (Clarence) Medlock, Frances (Vernon) Malloy, and Edna Cone, all of Marianna; brother, James Ayers of Denver, Colorado; and nephew, Kevin Green of Marianna. She was fortunate to have many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins in a large extended family, and a host of friends.
She loved her Lord Jesus Christ and served His church throughout her life. She taught Sunday school to elementary students, served on the Flower Committee, the Bereavement Committee, volunteered to help with Vacation Bible School and fall festival, the Woman’s Touch Committee, the Steering Committee of JOY Club, assisted in the kitchen helping to prepare Wednesday night meals, and many other activities in the church. She was a long-standing member of The First Baptist Church in Palatka, Florida and the First Baptist Church in Marianna, Florida. It was her joy to serve her Lord.
Jimmie worked out of the home in various secretarial positions in cities where the family lived. In later years she planned and served many delicious meals and refreshments for parties, events, and wedding receptions for individuals, civic organizations, and groups. She was also a member of the Marianna Historical Association, a life member of the Marianna Garden Club, a twenty plus member of the Pink Lady Auxiliary of Jackson Hospital, and a fifty plus year member of the GFC Marianna Woman’s Club as well as advisor to the Jr. Woman’s Club of Marianna. Over the years she held many positions within these organizations serving the community.
She was concerned about others before she thought about herself. She ministered to people through her joy of cooking, always making sure everyone had enough food. An attribute of Jimmie was a strong work ethic and the will to make sure anything she had a part of was done on time and almost to perfection. As an extraordinary cook she prepared many meals happily throughout her life, and enjoyed sharing her talents in cooking, and her recipes. Many people in Marianna have been the beneficiary of her creations, especially her divinity and cakes, nourishing their body and soul.
Jimmie loved her family. There are so many memories of her extended family gathering, sharing food, and working together. The gatherings were frequent. Memories of gathering to pick and prepare vegetables in the summer, churning homemade ice cream, water skiing and boat rides at Lake Seminole, family reunions, outdoor cold night oyster eating around a bonfire, summer beach trips, most holidays, and just to have fun. The family gathered in love and welcomed others who might be in need of companionship, love, food, fun, and comfort.
A homegoing celebration of a life well lived will be at 3:00 PM, Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Marianna with Rev. Vince Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
Visitation will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 17, 2023, at First Baptist Church.
Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikes.com
