Beaudell M. Mayo

Quietly she murmured, “it will be over in a minute.” God knew the road would be rough and the hills harder to climb, and on Sunday, October 3, 2021 he whispered, “peace be thine" and in the blink of an eye, Beaudell Mae Mayo peacefully transitioned into eternal rest. Sunrise - Beaudell Mae Mayo was born May 1, 1940, in Hallsboro, North Carolina to the late Daniel J. and Ruth Freeman Blanks. She was the middle child, welcomed by her older sister, Geraldine, to be followed by her younger sister, Sandra. In 1942, the family moved to Washington, DC where she was raised. A Time to Learn - Beaudell attended the District of Columbia Public School system. She started at Bernie Elementary, on to Douglas Junior High, ending with graduation from Martha Washington Vocational High School as a seamstress. She carried her seamstress talent through life and often sewed outfits for her children and nieces & nephews on special occasions. A Time to Wed – A visit to People’s Drug Store in Silver Spring, MD later led to Beaudell marrying Jimmie C. Mayo on May 26, 1962. They were blessed with four children- Gary (deceased), Kelvin, Cotreana and Robin. They enjoyed 22 years of love & laughter until his passing in 1984. A Time to Work & Serve - Beaudell started her career with the DC Department of Recreation Cooperative Play Program at Woodson Junior High Recreation Center. Her gentle manner and caring spirit for children were a perfect fit. Over the years, she worked at several other jobs before she settled at the Gift Shop in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Affectionately known as “Ms. Mae” by her co-workers, she devoted over 15 years of service to the museum and later retired in 2010. Growing up, Beaudell’s mother, Ruth “Tis” Blanks, instilled a strong religious foundation throughout the family. Along her journey, Beaudell never forgot the importance of simply thanking God for daily blessings and the strength to weather the storms of life. A Time to Live & Laugh - Above anything else, Beaudell loved her Family. From the Freeman Family Reunions and return trips to Hallsboro, to the holidays spent at “Tis’s,” to summertime CookOuts, to birthday parties for the kids, she thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by Family. And don’t forget the many pics she would take on her always present, disposable cameras to capture the moments! She had her “southern streak” when it came to food – whether cooking or eating, she loved pig feet, all soul food and salmon and grits on Sunday mornings! After family, came Friends; she would often venture out to Game Nights to enjoy, more fun. She loved playing board games and just about any card game one could think of. Her giving and caring spirit led so many to shout out to her as “Momma Mayo.” From time to time, she enjoyed hanging out with her sister Geraldine’s Senior Group, the Brentwood Young at Heart Seniors, traveling throughout the Washington DC metro area to events and activities. When she wanted some quiet time, she would be glued to the Game Show Network (GSN), along with winding down doing crossword puzzles. And last, but in no way the least, were her “Grands” & “Great Grands.” She never missed birthdays or special occasions. She could often be heard calling Jimese & Jasmine on the phone to check on if Jailyn, Jamall and Josiah made it home from school; along with a report on how Marlei and Jaxon were doing for the day. Often, she would simply call, Janeen, Labria, and Leroy – just to say Hi. A Time to Mourn -"But they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 - To cherish her memory- children; Gary A. Mayo (deceased), Kelvin A. Mayo, Cotreana Mayo-Porter, Robin King (Leroy, Jr), grandchildren; Jimese (Jamall), Jasmine Mayo, Janeen King, Labria King, Leroy King, great-grandchildren; Jailyn Price, Jamall Price Jr., Josiah Mayo, Marlei Pride, Jaxon Price; sister, Geraldine Washington (deceased, Ralph Sr.), sister Sandra Carroll and brother-in-law Deforce preceded her in death; sisters-in-law, Francis Mitchell (John), Pearl McGriff, Alva West, Patricia Farmer; brother-in-law, Arthur Lee Mayo (deceased) (Pearline), John Mayo (Patricia), a devoted friend for over 50 years, Betty Lewis and a host of extended relatives and friends.

Tributes

Beaudell M. Mayo

May 1, 1940 - October 3, 2021