Ayers, SALLY: world renowned singer, mother, wife, pastor & champion of love dies at 54. Sally Fay Parker Ayers was born in Bakersfield, California, Nov. 5, 1950, to Brownie and Molly Parker. She was the 2nd of 5 children. From the moment she was able to complete a sentence, she was singing her heart out. Sally's purpose on this earth was to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Raised in a Christian home, Sally's childhood was full of camp meetings, church services, and conferences, where she was always the "star" soloist and alto in the choir. Prior to her college days and marriage, Sally was the alto and accordion player in her family trio, "The Singing Parkers", along with her sister Kathy and brother Joe. They were world renowned in gospel circles. Named "The Spirit of St. Louis" for her academic and musical achievements in Bible College, Sally went on to marry her husband Tim Ayers. They continued as a couple in ministry, training young people in the body of Christ how to truly express themselves in worship. For over 20 years, Sally has been a Music Pastor at Covenant Church in Carrollton, TX. In February of 2003, doctors diagnosed her with a malignant brain tumor. Sally battled her disease for 22 months and was truly an over comer . On Thursday, December 23, 2004 at the age of 54, she transitioned into eternity as her family worshiped around her bedside. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and church family, but heaven's choir has received the greatest singer in all the earth. Today Sally is rejoicing at the feet of Jesus, which is what she has done her whole life. Now she is blessed to see His face as she worships her Lord. Sally was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, Ryan Parker. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Timothy Lee Ayers, her daughter & son-in-law, Andria & Daniel Sirka, her son & daughter-in-law, Aaron and Lora Ayers; her grandchildren, Noah, Sallie & Abigail, all of Lewisville, TX. She is also survived by her sister & husband, Kathy & Mike Hayes of Dallas, TX, her brothers and wives: Mike & Kerry Parker of Carrollton, TX, Joe & Jean Parker of Seattle, WA, Jess & Robin Parker of LaGrande, OR; her father's wife, Judy Parker of Halfway, OR, her half-brother George Parker of Plano, TX, , her step-sister Shelly Wilson of Halfway, OR; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews in the Parker and Ayers families, as well as loved ones around the world. Dignity Memorial Sparkman Dickey Dallas N. Tollway at Trinity Mills
Published in Dallas Morning News on Dec. 26, 2004
James Reynolds
Sally Parker played violin in the orchestra during high school. I’d come in and play trombone every once in awhile for Nyquist and the dude who came in after him. I recall her as a rather reserved and conscientious instrumentalist. She was always pleasant and interesting to talk with. She obviously came from a highly religious background. Pentacost, if I am not mistaken. Vicki May (my wife) was actually a much closer friend than I was. They lived within a block of each other and their friendship went all the back to junior high school. Vicki has told me about the length of Sally’s hair and how it was almost an all day affair to wash it! We’d heard that Sally had passed away several years ago and were curious about her religious/musical career. Well, I invite you to look up Sally Ayres on youtube to listen to her sing. She was an absolute force on the stage. Never in a million years did I expect to hear such energy, religious fervor and musical talent explode from this quiet person I briefly knew so many years ago! I think she finally cut her hair, too. Sally had as much musical talent as anybody in this 1968 class. She was terrific.
Ethel Wimsett (Landers)
Thank you for sharing Sally's story. I just listened to some of her music on YouTube. I could see that magical spirit she had in high school but matured in this beautiful lady who was singing before giant crowds. Sally and I were high school buddies, basically the odd couple. She was such a devout Penecostal while I was the often unique-thinking artist but we shared a love for God, for music, and for theater. While I'd be on stage, often in a comedic roll, Sally would be in the beautiful orchestra below. We'd often hang out at lunch hour and we shared a similar sense of humor. I remember her freckled face shining with a big smile also her extremely long hair and long dresses. I'm glad she was on my journey. God bless you Sally!
Cheryl Tidmore (McLemore)
Sally’s dad and mine were great friends with a common interest in their horses. While I did know Sally all that well my dad and brother knew her dad and brothers. I watched her on utube what s phenomenal voice and she loved the Lord.
Peggy E Pilling (Limi)
I fondly remember Sally. She was steadfast in her religious beliefs at a very young age and it appears she continued her love of the Lord throughout her life. Her video was uplifting and I was amazed at her transformation.
Charlane Davis (Hicks)
Thank you for sharing Sally's life journey. She had a beauty that radiated her love for the Lord. What an incredible talent! She was truly a rose in God's garden of gifts.Brenda Edwards (Hackney)
Like all of you, I went to you tube and looked up Sally, Wow, what a dynamic person she became ! She blew me away, such a presence and voice, God Bless her, she lived her life doing what she loved !