Abbot Ann (Ayres) Mister

Mrs. Abbot Ann Ayres Mister, 90, wife of the late Sylvester Marshall “S.M.” Mister and resident of Melfa, VA, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, VA. Born November 11, 1933 in Southside Chesconnessex, VA and raised in Onancock, she was the daughter of the late Charlie G. Ayres and Bertha Marsh Ayres.

Abbot graduated from Onancock High School, class of 1952, married the love of her life, with whom she spent years along with their children relocating throughout the world during S.M.’s military career. Upon returning home to the Shore, Abbot worked for the former Coffman-Fisher Department Store, and later for Peeples Department Store. She was a longtime member of Melfa United Methodist Church and loved reading, gardening, and music.

Many may not have realized how incredibly strong of a woman Abbot Mister was. As the wife of a United States Army soldier, she spent much of her adult life relocating their family from base to base. Over the years, she seamlessly transformed each new apartment or house into a home, although home was always wherever “mom” was. Abbot suffered the anguish of losing two sons, and despite her pain she remained compassionate and loving throughout her life. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and her cat, Sassy, brought her much joy in her later years. She was very much loved and will be deeply missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Claudia Mister Kromer and her husband, Willie, of Onancock; sister, Charlotte Lewis of Onancock; granddaughters, Bobbi Jo Evans and her husband, Charlie, of Melfa and Stephanie Hill and her husband, James of North Carolina; and several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Abbot was predeceased by her sons, Steven and Don Mister; sister, Frances Ayres Harrison; brothers, Lester Paul, Frank, and Brooks Ayres; and her beloved cat, Sassy.

Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., with The Reverend Barbara Parker officiating.

Contributions in Abbot’s memory may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 (www.shorespca.com) or Melfa United Methodist Church, 19444 Main Street, Melfa, VA 23410.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

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