Earl Douglas Ayers

Life Journey Born Earl Douglas Ayers, ABDOUL passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, in his favorite chair at home. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, sailor, and a Christian, ABDOUL was a knowledgeable man who took pride in giving back. Born on March 29, 1944, at Garfield Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC, to William Edward Ayers, Sr., and Jessie Mae Jones Ayers, he learned early on the importance of decency and order. Growing up, Earl was a member of the "Staples Street Crew - Lawrence, Ronnie, Carl, Andre and Sam (Trigger)," a group of young fellas who hung out together with the purpose of learning, growing and enjoying the pleasures of fun and games in their close-knit neighborhood. He was fondly called "Blue", likely because of his handsome, dark melanin. He attended Phelps Vocational School and Eastern Senior High School and, he excelled in every subject. He earned certificates in leadership and athletic ability. His love for baseball perhaps came from his father who was an avid fan of the sport. After leaving high school, Earl joined the military as an Ensign in the United States Navy where he adeptly learned and became a master machinist engineer and received many meritorious commendations. Upon retiring from the Navy, he enjoyed attending jazz concerts where you would find him on any given Friday night at Westminster Presbyterian Church listening to local jazz artists. He made it a point to take a seat at the front of the stage ensuring he did not miss a beat! He also enjoyed going to North Beach to bask in the solitude of nature or to enjoy hanging out with his grandchildren! He then took to the likes of the idea of destination travel especially to the "Motherland" and so he did." On his travels there, he felt the strong desire to embrace and immerse himself in his ancestral roots. A trip to Mali would be where he participated in a Malian Naming Ceremony where the African name ABDOUL was bestowed upon him. Among his many trips to Africa, it was during a trip to Zambia that he met his beloved wife, Musonda. ABDOUL is survived by his wife, Gillian Musonda Ayers; son David Earl, daughters: Tanya Evans, Rhonda, Carrie, and Jessica Ayers, stepdaughter Faith Musonda; grandsons: Uriah Goforth, Tyrone Evans, Sr., Lee, Kevin & Presley Ayers, Zamagio S. Wright, granddaughters: Myzuri & Nyla Ayers; great grandsons: Micah & Zacariah Goforth, Tyrone Jr., & Teghan Evans; great granddaughters: Gabrielle Goforth & Santana Evans, sisters: Rose Virgil, Miriam Dixon; brothers: William, Jr., (Marjorie); Donald & Kenneth (Michelle) Ayers, Julian (Julie) Ayers; mother-in-law Christina Chilufya, sisters-in-law: Jacqueline Ivory (Patrick), Caroline & Charity Chilufya, Chishiba Mulenga; brothers-in-law Harvey, Cliff, Brian & Eddie Chilufya, Terence Malama, and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. ABDOUL was predeceased in death by his parents, sister Joyce Nixon (Vernon) and daughter Monica Ayers- We will miss our ABDOUL. We will miss our gift.

Earl Douglas Ayers

March 29, 1944 - August 21, 2024