Beatrice “Bea” Simpson Ayers

 

Westminster –Beatrice “Bea” Simpson Ayers, 70, wife of Robert “Bob” Ayers, entered heaven’s gate, Friday, August 14th, 2020, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Our world became a little less bright as our most loving radiant light went to be with the Lord.

 

She was a beautiful soul who fulfilled her “dash” with a loving husband of 44 years, Perry Robert Ayers. Bea is survived by a son, Bobby Ayers and a daughter, Rhonda Ayers, three grandsons, Chad Ayers, Tanner Ayers, and Gatlin Ayers; five granddaughters, Callie Hurst,  Haley Hamaker, Tylyn Hendrix, Kenzie Hendrix and Camlin Burns; seven great-grandchildren, Cate Ayers, Charlotte Ayers, Bennett Hurst, Tucker Hurst, Lucas Hamaker,  Ryleigh Hamaker, and Easton Douville. Bea leaves behind a sister, Peggy Holbrooks (late Mike) and a brother, Bill Simpson (Kathy), sister in law, Kay Simpson; nieces, Mandy Butts, Tiffany Burton, Zoe Simpson; nephews, Donnie Moore, and Blake Simpson; and several great nieces and nephews.

 

Bea will be joining her parents, Billy and Jeanette Simpson and her brothers, Jesse and Bobby Simpson in heaven.

 

Bea did not earn her wings, she already had them here on earth. She had the gift of making others feel beautiful, confident and loved. Bea will always be known for her welcoming hospitality and loving spirit.

 

Beatrice S. Ayers, or “Aunt Bea”, as she was affectionately known as in District 2, was a member of Westminster Chapter #103. She held the stations of Associate Conductress, Conductress, Associate Matron, Worthy Matron, Adah and also held the station of Chapter Secretary for numerous years. Bea was a dual member of Seneca Chapter #5 and Westminster Chapter #103 and graciously helped fill any station where and when needed. Bea was an active fundraiser with her Westminster and Seneca Chapters. In addition to fund raising, Bea took part during initiations, and officer installations across South Carolina. In December, 2006, Bea received a Life Membership from Westminster Chapter #103.

 

In 2006-2007 Beatrice was honored to be selected as Grand Adah for Sister Dorothy Pearson and Brother Bill Burgess’ Grand family for the 100- year anniversary of The Order of the Easter Star. Bea held many Grand Chapter appointments: Grand Warder Assistant; District Deputy; Grand Representative appointments to North Dakota and Mississippi.

At the 2008 Grand Chapter Session, Beatrice was elected as Associate Grand Conductress and later served as Grand Conductress, and Associate Grand Matron. In 2011-2012, she was elected Worthy Grand Matron for the State of South Carolina. She served alongside Tom Corbin, Worthy Grand Patron, for their “On the Wings of Faith, Unity and Loving Kindness” Grand Chapter Session. Bea also served as Grand Lecturer for the Grand Chapter 2013-2014 year.

During Bea’s year as Worthy Grand Matron her Motto was “Everyone is Someone Special” and Sister Beatrice always made everyone feel special.

 

Not only was Bea involved in The Order of The Eastern Star, but was a member of the Daughter of the Nile and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Blue Ridge Shrine Club. Bea worked as a paralegal for Merrel Code and worked for 25 years as a paralegal for Robert Whitney.  The last 4 years Bea worked for USDA as a NASDA Enumerator. She was a dedicated member of Westminster First Baptist Church.

 

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, August 22nd, 2020 at the Sandifer Funeral Home Chapel with Eastern Star Funeral Rites and an entombment to follow at Heritage Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns for the health of family and friends, the body will lie in state 12pm -8 pm, with family receiving friends from 5-8 pm Friday, August 21st, 2020 at Sandifer Funeral Home.

 

The family is at the residence. Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made in Bea’s memory to Westminster First Baptist Church, 426 West Oak Hwy, Westminster, SC 29693.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.