Vern Ayers

Marion LaVerne (Vern) Ayers, age 89, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at home after a brief illness.

Vern was born on July 30, 1935, in Egypt, GA to Orville and Jean Ayers.  He spent his early childhood on Lucille Ave. in Southwest Atlanta where many fond memories were made.

He graduated from Southwest High School in Atlanta in 1953 and attended Georgia Tech and Southern Tech. While he was a senior in high school, he met his future wife, Winnie Sears, on a blind date set up by their mutual friends. They were married in 1954 and had two daughters. They settled in the Northlake/Atlanta area where they lived for 56 years.

Vern was employed at Bickerstaff Construction Company in the late 50's and early 60's as a carpenter and served in the National Guard meeting many lifelong friends along the way. He eventually began his own company, Ayers-Moore Construction Company, as a General Contractor with Secretary, Faye Moore, and eventually founded Leaf Construction Company. Vern loved people and gave a job to anyone in need, helping so many people to get back on their feet. His construction company restored many historic buildings in Atlanta such as The Brookwood Exchange on Peachtree Street, The Georgian Terrace, The Gone with the Wind Museum, and several old apartment buildings on North Highland Ave. Vern didn't retire until he was in his early 80's as he loved his work, and it was his life.

Vern was a huge Georgia Tech football fan and had season tickets for many years. He loved the ocean and spent many years vacationing with family and friends in the Florida panhandle. He was also an avid runner and ran in the Peachtree Road Race every year he was able. He was a Master Mason and volunteered for many fundraisers.

Vern is survived by daughters, Diane Lanier of Norcross, Cindy Bates (Wayne) of Snellville, grandsons Robert Lanier (Ginger) of Lawrenceville, Nathan McKinney (Christina) of Auburn, great-grandchildren, Austin Lanier, Ethan Lanier, Lorelei Jade McKinney, sister, Barbara Browning of Tucker, and brother, Steve Ayers of Buford.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Winnie, son-in-law, Lance Lanier, beloved grandson, Timothy Lanier, and sister, Ann Tidwell.

A memorial service will be Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, at 1:00pm, at First Christian Church of Atlanta in Tucker, GA. 

To leave electronic condolences please visit: https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/marion-ayers