Mary “Cricket” Clawson Ayers, age 59, of Bakersville, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 11th, 2026. A native of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, she was a daughter to the late Ed and Vonell Harrison Clawson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Sally Harmon and two brothers: Paul “Squeaky” Clawson and Alvin “Snowball” Clawson.
Cricket worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years. She was a dedicated employee and always went above and beyond to care for her patients like they were her family. Cricket had a giving soul and this was always reflected in helping take care of others and in every task performed. She had a green thumb and enjoyed being outside tending to all her beautiful blooms. Cricket was also an amazing cook and could be found in the kitchen preparing food for others when she had a free moment.
Above every blessing life had given, her greatest joy was her family. Cricket took pride in raising her sons and enjoyed spending time with them and others she held so near and dear to her heart. Cricket will be remembered for her many roles in life but most importantly, her role as a caregiver, beloved wife, cherished mother, grandmother and a friend to all.
Left to cherish the precious memories is her loving husband of 25 years, Wayne Ayers; three sons: Dillon Ayers, Isaac Ayers (Maggie) and Jeremiah Ayers (Katlyn) all of Bakersville; precious grandchildren: Keaton, Kyla and Taylor Ayers, Jaycee and Kasen McAlister, Waylon Silver and Justice Hughes; two brothers: Vernon Clawson (Sandra) and Howard “Mouse” Clawson (Sarah) all of Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Several other extended family members also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Howard Clawson will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Will Hughes Cemetery on Charlie Deyton Road.
Memorial donations to honor Cricket’s life can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.