Doris Erline Phillips Ayers

Erline Phillips Ayers, 88, of Newnan passed away peacefully in her home on September 11th surrounded by her family. Erline was born January 14, 1927 in Union, SC. She was the 6th of 7 siblings born to Herbert Lynn Phillips and Bessie Bell Vincent. As a young college student in Charlotte, NC, Erline’s love of music and dance led to her meeting the man of her dreams – a dashingly handsome, charismatic jazz pianist who was playing at the El Morocco Club. After a whirlwind romance, O.L. Ayers, Jr. and Erline were married and continued to tour the Southeast with his band, eventually putting down roots in Panama City, FL, where they lived for 10 years and developed a great appreciation of the ocean. During their 45 year marriage, the couple’s love of water, including mountain streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans, naturally led them to become avid fishermen. This life-long love affair with water continued to be reflected in their other favorite leisure activity, travel, leading them to explore the land and culture of such destinations as Hawaii, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Germany, and, one of their favorites, Athens and the Grecian Isles. Erline’s main passion in life was her love and dedication to her family. Because of this dedication, she left a secure job that she was very good at as a secretary and risked stepping into the new and intimidating world of technology and computers, becoming a Data Processor for Norfolk-Southern Railway for 27 years. After retiring in 1992, she was able to focus more time and energy on being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She was intelligent, witty, independent, and hard-working, teaching by example, modeling responsibility and integrity, and passing down her skills to multiple generations. Erline was predeceased by her husband and all of her siblings. She is survived by three children, Jan Knowles (Marshall), Lynn Gaar (Bob), and Lee Ayers (Denise), 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Her greatest gift to the family was her unconditional love and unwavering support. We will keep her in our minds and hearts for always. Her exemplary life will be honored in a service on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the McKoon Funeral Home chapel. The entombment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580.

Doris Erline Phillips Ayers

January 14, 1927 - September 11, 2015