Mrs. Iris Margaret Ayres Smale

In Loving Memory Iris Margaret Ayres Smale, aged 85, of Guntersville, a faithful servant of Christ, passed into eternity on October 16, 2025, and has been welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior. Her faith in Christ guided her every step, and she will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her enduring faith, and her love for God’s word. She went to her eternal home 20 years to the day of her beloved husband, Chuck’s passing. Iris's life was a testament to her kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for God and those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of faith, love, and strength will live on through her family and many friends. A gifted singer and musician, Iris worshiped the Lord through her singing and guitar playing. Hearing her favorite hymn, Good, Good Father, will always be a reminder to those who worshipped with her. Born in Guntersville on March 17, 1940, the only child of Mary York Ayres and Asher Ayres, Iris and her family lived in several other states. She and Chuck returned to the family homestead on Georgia Mountain in 1990, where she spent the rest of her years. Many beautiful flowers (especially irises!) still bloom on the property, planted with care by Iris and Chuck. Her strength of spirit and stubborn determination shone through in her successful battle with breast cancer. Iris connected with other breast cancer survivors and forged many enduring friendships. Iris had a passion for cross-stitching, creating many beautiful pieces of cross-stitch art for family and friends. She showed her talent for cross-stitching not only in the art she made, but through her small business, designing cross-stitch patterns. She also worked for many years at a cross-stitch shop in Guntersville, accompanied by her beloved poodle, Frosty. Her cross-stitch business was only one of her several small businesses. She taught herself how to build websites and created many websites for clients. She had several eBay shops, including a bookstore and a Barbie shop, where she showed her love of Barbie by crafting intricate handmade Barbie clothes. In addition to her small business endeavors, Iris was an international travel consultant for many years. Iris loved animals, especially dogs and elephants. She had many poodles over the years, and most recently her pomapoo, Koda. Her collection of elephants of all kinds, sizes, and shapes is legendary among her family and friends. Iris is survived by her four children, Jeffrey Thompson (Danette), Hugh Thompson, Dixie Stephens, and Asher Smale (Wendy); eight grandchildren, Matthew Thompson (Jamie), Brandon Thompson (Meghan), Brittany Thompson Womack (Corey), Asher Smale II (Ashley), Nathan Smale (Lydia) Ariel Smale Dahlstrom (Noah), Douglas Marks Stephens III, and Foster Thompson (Samantha); eight great-grandchildren, Brynlee Thompson, Penelope and Collins Thompson, Asher III and Alexandra Smale, Blake Smale, and Violet and Heidi Dalstrom; and many extended family and friends. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 20, at Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville. Services will be held at Point of Grace Church in Guntersville on Tuesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. (final viewing, 11 a.m. service), Brother Randy Evers and Pastor Asher Smale officiating. Interment will follow at the Foster Ayres family Cemetery at Mt. Carmel. Pallbearers will be Ully Whitaker, Craig Madden, Nick Moran, Danny Thrash, Scott Bodine, Anthony DeHart, Greg Weaver, and Nathan Smale. In place of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in Albertville. Although Iris’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of faith, love, and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus, our dearly loved Iris, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague, He will shelter you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge; his faithfulness is a protecting shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, 6Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon. Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come. You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see. Because you have the LORD for your refuge and have made the Most High your stronghold, No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone. i You can tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon. j Because he clings to me I will deliver him; because he knows my name I will set him on high. He will call upon me and I will answer; I will be with him in distress; I will deliver him and give him honor. With length of days I will satisfy him, and fill him with my saving power. Psalm 91 (a favorite of Iris)

Mrs. Iris Margaret Ayres Smale

March 17, 1940 - October 16, 2025