Jane E. Ayres, age 85, of Ellenboro, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at her home.
Jane was born Monday, June 9, 1941 in Rutherford County to the late Pete Burgess and Nellie Crow Burgess. She was a graduate of Tri-High School, class of 1959. She worked for the Fairfax County Police Department in administration and communications for thirty-six years before retirement. Jane was a longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees. She enjoyed reading and was an avid Duke fan and a loyal Washington Redskins fan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Samuel Edward "Eddy" Ayres, Jr. and infant son, John Ayres and son-in-law, Dave Granahan.
Those left to cherish her memory include daughters, Cynthia Jerome (Paul) of Reston, VA and Donna Granahan of Grandy, NC; including her granddaughters and their spouses, Samantha (Daniel) and Nicole (Michael) and great grandchildren, Jason "J.P.", Charlie, Brody, Katie and Madison.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 8th at Oak Grove United Methodist Church with Reverend Chris Glawson officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11th at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com