Antonia Jean Ayers

Antonia Jean Ayers 72, went to eternal rest on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at her residence.

Antonia Jean Ayers died peacefully at home on June 27 at age 72. Affectionately known as “Miss Toni,” she was a retired educator who served as a teacher’s assistant with Jefferson County Public Schools. She loved working with children and, even after complications from diabetes prevented her from driving, continued spending two days a week at her granddaughter’s daycare center. She also helped care for her great-grandchildren.

Toni was the daughter of Rudolph T. Ayers and Francis L. Wallace, both of Owensboro, Kentucky. Her stepfather, Lawrence Ingram, raised her as his own. She was the mother of six children, grandmother of 11, and great-grandmother of three. Toni had a gift with children, and each of her grandchildren believed they were secretly her favorite.

Before joining JCPS, Toni retired as a team leader from TransCentra, a document processing company, after 19 years of service. She earned an associate’s degree in Business Management from Brown Mackie College. A proud member of Cable Baptist Church, she served as lead usher and sang in the choir until health challenges required her to slow down.

Toni is survived by her siblings, Lawrence Ingram, Lillie Ingram, James Ingram, Wahseshohee Yachaapay, formerly Michael Sugg, Mark Ayers, and Janie Walls, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children, Michael L. Jones (Melissa), Andrae Jones, Tracie Daugharty (Marc), Juanita Shackelford (Walter), William C. Jones (Camille), and Sir Francis Ayers; her grandchildren, Dorai Ayers, Nyeila Jones,  Raisa Jones, Isis Shackelford, Nia Jones, Ali Shackelford, Javlin Daugharty, Donyae Jones, Trinity Daugharty, Isha Shackelford, D'nasia Jones, and Isha Shackelford; her great-grandchildren, Ivy Elliott, Raielle Jones, and Raiden Jones.

A viewing for Toni will be held at Cable Baptist Church, 1875 Farnsley Road, on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the funeral and burial at Green Meadows Cemetery.

Please join us in keeping the Ayers Family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

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