Johnna Wilson Ayres

     Johnna Wilson Ayres 78, of Cabot, Arkansas went to meet Jesus on July 13, 2022. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 48 years, John Chambers Ayres III, her parents Edythe and CJ Wilson, and brother in law Ed Miles. Johnna is survived by brother Clyde (Diana) Wilson, and sisters-in-law Martha (Jim) Allen and Janie Ayres Miles; her three children: Christy (Steven) Stern, John Chambers (Jay) Ayres IV (Leisha), Kelly (Jed) Spencer; 8 grandchildren: John Chambers (Jayce) Ayres V, Jackson Ayres, Jacob Ayres, Alex Stern, Matthew Stern, Sarah Stern, Nicholas Dyben & Jeffrey Dyben; and her beloved niece and nephews.

     Johnna was born to Edythe and CJ Wilson on November 5, 1943 in Blytheville, AR. She attended West Memphis High School and Queens College before transferring to the University of Arkansas after meeting a boy named John. John and Johnna would marry in 1965 and were devoted to each other until John’s passing in 2013.  Johnna and John moved from Little Rock to Cabot in 1977 when John opened his architectural firm. Johnna served as his bookkeeper and occasional secretary during the early years as she helped John grow his business.  They raised their family and immersed themselves in the community of Cabot until their deaths.

     As an avid Razorback fan, Johnna’s neighbors could often hear her calling the “Hawgs” and providing constructive feedback to officials and coaches. Back in the Southwest Conference days, she and John spent years traveling with their good friends following the “Hawgs” all over the south. Johnna was energized by being around people. She especially loved her Bunco and Bridge groups and hanging out with her “Hamption” friends. 

     If you ever met Johnna, you knew she was a woman of strong faith.  She loved Jesus as evidenced by her servant heart.  John and Johnna were foundational members of Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, and later Cabot. She and John helped plant several satellite churches and led many different couples’ bible studies through the years.  Throughout her life, Johnna led and participated in many different womens’ congregational groups as well as various local and community bible study groups. She enjoyed mentoring younger women and sharing her faith in her day to day life.  Johnna never met a stranger and always looked for ways to serve and love others.  Although she never mentioned it, her heart led her to donate to various charities and organizations that provided support to hungry children, wounded military veterans and a variety of Christian outreach ministries.   Johnna was secure in her salvation and she was ready to go be with Jesus and her devoted husband, John.

     As per Johnna’s wishes, a graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 10AM at Mt Carmel Cemetery in Cabot, with a private burial to follow at a later date. Arrangements are being made through Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.

     Johnna’s family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the “Hamptonian” residents for their support, love, and friendship.  They were a second family that she cherished. We would also like to thank the doctors and staff of Next Generation Physical Therapy for the loving care they provided Johnna. Johnna claimed them as her other children.

     In lieu of flowers, we would like to suggest a donation be made to the Cabot Public Schools Student Needs Program that provides food and clothing for underprivileged students. This cause was near and dear to Johnna’s heart. Checks may be made payable to “Cabot School District Student Needs” and mailed to: c/o Emily Taylor, 602 N. Lincoln, Cabot, AR  72023.