Lois M. Ayers Whitley age 81, long-time resident of Muskogee, OK entered her heavenly home on Monday, March 20, 2017.

Lois was born January 15, 1936, in Braggs, OK. She was the 4th child born of 10 children to Perry A. and Ona Ayers. She graduated from Braggs High School in May, 1954. Later she earned her Associate degree from Connors State College, Bachelor's and Master's degree from Northeastern State University. On March 6, 1954 she married the love of her life Ray L. Whitley in Stigler, OK. To this union 4 children were born. Lois and Ray celebrated 63 years of marriage on the 6th of March.

Lois retired from the State of Oklahoma, Department of Human Services after many years of faithful dedicated and loyal service, and she and Ray began to enjoy retirement to its fullest. Lois was a member of Southeast Baptist Church and enjoyed fellowship with all of her church family, especially the special singing services. Her favorite pastime was sewing, with her passion of crafting and designing unique baby quilts for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her great-great grandson.

Lois was preceded in death by her loving parents, brother Charles Ayers, sister Ruth Potts, and brother James Ayers.

Survivors include her husband Ray Whitley, daughters Gayla Turner (Preston), Ft. Gibson; Kathye Watson (Larry), Muskogee; Lynn Hamilton (Don), Ft. Gibson; and son Clark Whitley (Sheila); Clarks Hill, IN. Grandchildren Andrea Mann (Joe), Jess Watson (Amanda), Nick Meschberger, Cody Meschberger, Erik Friend (Tara), Todd Friend (Stacy), Ryan Friend (Kate), Rachel Milne (Trea), Christy Whitley, and Dustin Whitley. Great grandchildren, Whitley Watson, Jessica Watson, Jaycee Watson, Katelyn Mann, Carson Mann, Ainsley Mann, Hayden Mann, Billie Meschberger, Dakota Meschberger, Graeson Meschberger, Jonathan Friend, William Friend, Ava Friend, Jaxon Friend, Dax Friend, Alice Friend, Heidi Friend, Ion Friend, Rori Friend, Emory Friend, Addilyn Milne, Jaxon Milne, and great-great grandson Christopher Martin. Sisters Janet Lanier (Larry), Sharon Willis, and Wanda Long. Brothers George Ayers (Dorothy), Perry Ayers, Jr. (Mildred), and Ronnie Ayers (Wanda). Sister-in-law Janice Ayers Burnes (Kenneth). Brother-in-law J.N. Whitley (Eva) and sister-in-law Maggie Hiseley (Jerry). Lois is also loving survived by numerous nieces and nephews, friends and relatives.

Viewing will be at Lescher Millsap Funeral Home, 2801 Chandler Road, in Muskogee beginning Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. The family will greet friends Wednesday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Lescher Millsap Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at lescher-millsapfuneralhome.com.

Celebration services for Lois will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Southeast Baptist Church, 2511 East Hancock St., Muskogee, OK with host pastor Mike Murray, Rev. Kelly Payne and Rev. Adrian Totty officiating. Burial will be at Greenhill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons Jess Watson, Nick Meschberger, Cody Meschberger, Erik Friend, Todd Friend, Ryan Friend and Dustin Whitley. Honorary pallbearers are the Sunday school members of the Southeast Baptist Church Hallelujah Class.