Jessie Marie Mayes

Jessie Marie Mayes, age 83, of La Grande, died July 9, 2008 at her home, surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be held at Carr's Chapel in Speedwell, Tennessee on July 20th at 2;00 p.m. Committal and interment will follow at the Yoakum Cemetery. Viewing will be held at Reece's Mortuary on July 19th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Mrs. Mayes was born on January 24, 1925, the daughter of Herbert and Mae Eva (Hill) Slover in Harlan, Kentucky. On December 25, 1952 she married Johnson Mayes. She worked as a telephone operator for Bell South (later becoming AT&T) for 34 years. They retired to Tennessee. Mrs. Mayes was very active in the Baptist Church and served as a Sunday school teacher and enjoyed helping with the Vacation Bible School program. Jessie loved singing in the choir. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. After the death of her husband in 2006 she moved to La Grande to be with her family. She loved being with her family, was devoted to her grandsons and enjoyed visiting with her friends and family in person and on the phone.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Suzy Mayes of La Grande; grandchildren, Joshua and Dominique Mayes of Olympia, Washington and Dr. Eli Mayes of Barrow, Alaska; great grandchild, Madison Mackenzie Mayes; sisters, Edith Martin of Everett, Washington, Rosalie Ward of Pineville, Kentucky and Carma of Florida; brother, Frank "Bud" Slover of New Hampshire; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Creech and brother, Charles "Toby" Slover, and niece, Carla Ward.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Mayes to the Diabetes Association or the Billy Graham Foundation in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.