Mrs. Abbot Ann Ayres Mister, 90, wife of the late Sylvester Marshall “S.M.” Mister and resident of Melfa, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock. Born Nov. 11, 1933, in Southside Chesconnessex and raised in Onancock, she was the daughter of the late Charlie G. Ayres and the late 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 Peebles 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 U.S. 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, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. 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, P.O. Box 276, Melfa, VA 23410.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
