News Summary
A beloved matriarch of Shreveport, Marie Hunter Gruner Ayres, is honored at a memorial ceremony.
Shreveport to Honor Beloved Community Matriarch Marie Hunter Gruner Ayres
A memorial service for Marie Hunter Gruner Ayres, a cherished matriarch of the community, is set to take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana. The service will commence at 11:00 a.m. and will be officiated by her nephew, Rev. Derrick Stevenson. Following the ceremony, interment will be held at Centuries Memorial Park.
Friends and family will have the opportunity to pay their respects during a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the day of the service.
A Life Well-Lived
Marie Gruner Ayres was born on April 17, 1937, in the Hunter Community near Mansfield, Louisiana, and she passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family in Shreveport. Her educational journey took her through Fair Park High School where she graduated in the Class of 1955. She furthered her education at Ayers Business School, earning a degree in Secretarial Science.
Marie had a long-standing career as a secretary with the Caddo Parish School Board, dedicating numerous years to the educational community before retiring.
Community and Family Legacy
Known for her warm spirit and extensive circle of friends, Marie Ayres was affectionately referred to as “Memaw”. She was considered the heart and soul of her family, creating a home filled with laughter and home-cooked meals. She was married to Edward Harmon Ayres, Jr. for 34 years, sharing a life rich in music, faith, and lasting friendships.
The couple were committed members of Koran Baptist Church, where they proudly upheld a tradition of singing “Happy Birthday” by phone to fellow members. They also ventured into entrepreneurship by opening an archery business on Lake Bistineau, which further strengthened bonds within the community and fostered relationships with their grandchildren.
Marie was actively involved with The Guest House, where she provided prayer and spiritual leadership while receiving care.
Family and Rememberance
In addition to her husband, Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Willie B. Hunter, Sr. and Ethel OG Dick Hunter, along with her brother, Willie B. Hunter, Jr.. She is survived by her son, Mark Hunter Gruner (Kandace), and her grandchildren: Audri Gruner-Alford, Sarah Windham (Joey), Taylor Wentzel (James), and Gunner Gruner (BreAnna). Additionally, she leaves behind great-grandchildren Kyler Alford, Kalyn Alford, Weston Hardy, Hannah Kate Windham, Gabe Silvas, Ellie Rae Wentzel, and Grant Wentzel, along with her sisters, Susan Hunter Stevenson (Bill) and Nancy Hunter Dumas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Pallbearers and Acknowledgements
The pallbearers for the service will include Weston Hardy, Joey Windham, Gunner Gruner, James Wentzel, Kevin Stevenson, Bailey Stevenson, Brock Stevenson, Devin Dumas, Howie Dumas, and Kyler Alford.
The family expresses their gratitude to Michael and Sherry Wilson, Christina Loftin, and Cashara Jones for their unwavering support during this time of loss.
Legacy of Love
Marie Hunter Gruner Ayres is remembered fondly for her love, joy, and uplifting spirit, which touched countless lives in her community. Her contributions and the warmth she provided to those around her will be honored during the memorial service.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Marie Ayres
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Edward Ayres
- Google Search: Memorial Services in Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
