Linda Sue Smith Ayers

Mrs. Linda Sue Smith Ayers, 83, of Mount Airy, passed away early Monday morning, October 12, 2026, at Northern Regional Hospital. Mrs. Ayers was born August 5, 1943, in Surry County, the daughter of the late Jessie Lee and Elizabeth Sue Smith Smith. Linda worked at Spencer’s Inc. for many years and was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by two daughters, Gloria Ann Smith and Ann Slate (Dusty); six grandchildren, Ashton Ayers, Paxton Slate, Phinn Slate, Elisha Harris (Stephen), Anthony Smith, and Vanessa Luna (David); nine great-grandchildren, Tyler Harris, Nevaeh Harris, Maddy Harris, Hannah Harris, Abygail Faith, Elena Luna, Ximena Luna, Izzy Luna, and Cesia Luna; a brother, the Rev. Jerry Smith (Phyllis); several nieces and nephews; a special aunt, Minnie Cassidy; and her special cousins, Frances Cooke, Daniel Cassidy, and Donald Cassidy. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ayers was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Junior Ayers; a son, Timmy Wayne Ayers; a great-grandson, Thomas Ellis Smith; an infant sister; and three brothers, Herbert Lewis Smith, Billy Gray Smith, and Bobby Lee Smith. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Jerry Smith and the Rev. Terry Watson officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.