Judith "Jay" Ayers

Judith “Jay” Ayers (80) was at home surrounded by loving family when she earned her angel wings on March 27, 2020 in Naples, Florida.  She was born in Morgantown, West Virginia on February 13, 1940 to the late Louis “Buck” Fickey and Pansy (Sisler) Fickey Marino. She was a loving wife to Don, who predeceased her in 2008, an amazing mommy to her two daughters, Jayme (Bob Gibbs) of Naples, Florida and Jana (Mark DiPasquale) of West Palm Beach, Florida and lived for her faithful rescue companion, Nikki. She shall always be remembered by her dearest and longest friends, Dr. and Mrs. Antonino Zampogna, their 5 children and 8 grandchildren as “Auntie Jay”.

Jay never hesitated to change careers throughout her storied life. She left her hometown for Washington, D.C. in her teens to become a stylist for Charles of the Ritz. Her love of travel and making new friends led her to Hollywood, California to become a professional makeup artist for Max Factor. Her strong, inner desire to help others prompted her to go to college and become a registered nurse. Due to her insatiable thirst for knowledge and belief that one can always better themselves, she returned to university at the age of 60 to attain her Masters in Nursing Administration.

She was a woman of many talents with the voice of an angel. She directed both adult and youth church choirs, sang in many little theatre productions as well as with the USO and was known to appear on many nightclub stages throughout the world when the opportunity arose. She was an excellent cook and a fabulous baker. Jay was a voracious reader and wrote poetry to rival the greatest laureate. She became a leader and mentor for young ladies in the International Order of Job’s Daughters. The word “no” wasn’t in her vocabulary, especially if someone needed help.

She believed in living life to its fullest. And through all of life’s trials and tribulations, she remained strong in her Christian faith and love of country. She instilled her love of learning, together with the stamina and drive to make dreams come true, in her daughters.

The family will hold a private entombment.

Donations in her honor may be made to the American Heart Association, AVOW Hospice or the animal charity of your choice.