Mrs. Audrey Ayres Furness, 77, of Temperanceville, was welcomed home to dwell in the house of the Lord on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Born Jan. 10, 1949, in Nassawadox, she was the daughter of the late J. Fulton Ayres and Alma Lewis Ayres.
Raised in Parksley, Audrey and her family were devoted members of Parksley Baptist Church, where she was baptized and where she nurtured a strong faith in the Lord that remained central throughout her life.
She graduated from Parksley High School and soon after married Brantley Eugene “Gene” Furness on April 12, 1968. Following their marriage, the couple briefly lived in Richmond for Gene’s work before returning to the Eastern Shore to make their home in Temperanceville. There, they became faithful members of Atlantic Baptist Church, where Audrey served for many years as church treasurer and was always among the first to volunteer wherever help was needed.
Audrey dedicated 36 years to serving the children, teachers, and families of Accomack County as a member of the Accomack County School Board. First sworn into office in 1983 by her father, J. Fulton Ayres, she became a steadfast advocate for public education, helping guide the county through decades of growth and change, including the construction and opening of several new schools throughout the county. Audrey believed deeply in doing “everything we can” for children and was respected for her compassion, fairness, and unwavering commitment to students and educators alike. During her tenure, she proudly attended every high school graduation, celebrating the achievements of generations of students.
When faced with difficult decisions, Audrey trusted her gut feeling and stood firmly by what she believed was right, always serving with strength, wisdom, and heart for the betterment of her community.
Always thinking of others before herself, Audrey was well-known for her genuine kindness and thoughtfulness, especially through the heartfelt cards and notes she lovingly sent to family and friends over the years. Those who truly knew Audrey understand that she would have preferred her story say less about herself and more about encouraging others to find solace in the Lord, strength through the power of prayer, and grace and acceptance in every circumstance and for all people. She believed deeply that God only gives us what He knows we can bear.
She leaves to celebrate her memory her loving husband of 58 years, Gene; her sons, Michael “Scott” Furness and his wife, Melissa, of Maryland, and Stephen Vincent Furness and his wife, Victoria, of Parksley; her sister, Betty Richardson, of Parksley; her sister-in-law, Pat Parrish and her husband, Donald, of Mears; her brother-in-law, Jimmy Colonna and his wife, Jackie, of Chester; her grandsons, Michael Hugh Furness, Derek Clark (Delaney), and Trenton Clark (Sarah); her great-grandson, Elias Clark; and several nieces and nephews, as well as their families.
Audrey’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the many family members and friends who have selflessly given their time, love, and prayers throughout her time of need.
Funeral services will be held at Atlantic Baptist Church on Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m., with the Revs. Maury Enright and John Higginbotham officiating. The family will gather for private interment in the Liberty Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Audrey’s memory through a memorial donation to Atlantic Baptist Church, P.O. Box 397, Atlantic, VA 23303, or by continuing her legacy through advocacy and support for teachers and students in the public school system.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
