On Saturday, July 8, 2017, John Lester Mayo went home to be with the Heavenly Father. He was blessed with 93 years of life.

John was born to Josephine and James Mayo on September 3, 1923, in York, South Carolina. He was the youngest of five children: Elizabeth, James, Mary, and Jay P. He attended school in both York, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina.

On April 6, 1948, John was united in marriage with Mary Ethel Bennett in Norfolk, Virginia. That union produced five children, John Barry, Jonna Ray, Cynthia Yvonne, Steven Alan, and Marilyn Belinda Mayo. They traveled and relocated the household and family frequently in support of his Navy career. His family was one of his greatest joys and he showered them with love, understanding, and guidance; instilling in them the value of family, compassion, and character. He often commented on how blessed and proud he was of his family.

John was a World War II Navy veteran, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific theater aboard the USS Suisun (AVP-53) during the assault and occupation of Okinawa and the 3rd Fleet Operations against Japan. His naval service continued after the war and included stateside assignments in Annapolis, MD, Boston, MA, Newport, RI, and Norfolk, VA; sea-duty assignments in support of the NATO mission and several North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean Cruises while assigned to the USS Northampton (CLC-1), USS Dealey (DE-1006), and USS Arcadia (AD-23); and, an overseas assignment at the Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After 27 years active duty, he retired in 1970 as a Navy Chief. His retirement was filled pursuing the many interests he had in developing new skills, entrepreneurship, and furthering his understanding and commitment to God's Word.

In his adult years, John dedicated his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and became committed to learning about Him. He was a member of New Covenant Baptist Church where his son, Steve, presides as the pastor. John loved learning about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was faithful to studying the Bible and committed himself to sharing God's Word with others.

John was preceded in death by Mary B. Mayo, his loving wife of 57 years. He is truly missed by his children, John B Mayo (Mary), Joan Dobson (Percy), Cynthia Hunt (Bobbie), Steve Mayo, and Marilyn Mayo; his sister-in-law Jean Potter (Jimmy); his grandchildren Jacqueline and Craig Mayo, Adrienne Winfrey (David), Heather Mayo-Harrell, Briana Mayo, Jason and Bryant Dobson, Jennifer Darnell (Austin), Ashley and Gregory Hunt; seven great-grandchildren Jon Kirkland, Anthony Mayo, Natalie, Brielle and Reese Winfrey, Isaiah Hunt, Cora Darnell; and, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

John's passing is truly earth's loss and heaven's gain.

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