Mary Ethel Mayo

    Mary Ethel Mayo, 89, of Meridian, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, October 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

     The world has lost a woman with a fiery spirit and loving heart. Our mother has transitioned peacefully to her Heavenly home in true Steel Magnolia style.

     Mary was born on July 10, 1935, to James and Inez (Bivens) Stegall in Pontotoc, MS. It was there in Pontotoc where she would meet her husband, Edward Johnson Mayo. They made their home in Meridian for many years and raised their three children: Susan, David, and Laura.

     An avid sports lover, Mary played golf at Northwood Country Club almost daily and was a tournament golfer. She served as Director of Volunteers (The Head Pink Lady) at Riley Memorial Hospital for years and was a Charter Member of the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club. In 1996, she began working as a Hostess at James F. Webb Funeral Home. She was also an active member of State Boulevard Baptist Church and Faith Baptist Church.

     Mary enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She made many “Mary Mayo” birthday and wedding cakes. They were beautiful and delicious, and everyone wanted her cakes. Her family looked forward to her famous seafood gumbo at Christmas each year.

     Mary lived a very full life, loving her family and friends. Her infectious smile and laugh will be cherished and missed by all who knew and loved her. We are at peace knowing that she is reunited with our father, Ed Mayo, and other family members who have gone before. We are all very blessed to have been a part of “Mary’s World”.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, James & Inez Stegall; her beloved husband, Edward Johnson Mayo; her brothers, James Wallace Stegall (Evelyn) and John Stegall (Barbara); and her sister, Nora Lewis (Melvin).

     Mary is survived by her daughters, Susan Mayo Duett, Ph.D. (Lex), and Laura Mayo Sermons (Mike); and her son, William David Mayo (Anna). She was Grandmother and Mimi to four loving grandchildren, Wil Duett (Chelly), Logan Mayo, Abigail Sermons, and Tanner Sermons; and two great grandchildren, Liam and Brynley Duett. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, and three granddogs, Lola, Molly, and Bama.

    The family would like to especially thank the staff at Meridian Assisted Living Home, who provided a fun, safe and loving environment for the past two years to Mary. We would also like to thank the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club for making her birthdays extra special by throwing parties for her at Meridian Living. Her Faith Baptist Church Family and long-time friends have been a blessing throughout this season.

     Visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, November 1st, from 4-7pm at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-Downtown.

     Funeral Services for Mary will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, beginning at 12:15pm in the chapel, with Rev. Daniel Fortenberry and Rev. Billy Warsaw officiating the ceremony. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place in the Magnolia Cemetery at 2pm. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s honor to the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club at 7753 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305.

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-Downtown is grateful for the opportunity to honor Mary’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.