Mabel Mayes

Mabel Blackwelder Mayes, 93, passed away on April 27, 2018, at her residence, after a well-lived life.



Mabel was born September 11, 1924, in Statesville, NC, to the late Clarence Neal Blackwelder and Mary Perry Blackwelder and was the first of five children.



Mabel graduated from Mitchell College with a degree in business. In 1943, she began a long-standing career in management with BellSouth Corporation in Statesville, Gastonia and Raleigh.



Mabel married Glenn Eugene Mayes of Statesville on March 28, 1964, after a 20-year courtship and a worn-out engagement ring.



Upon her retirement in 1981, Mabel and Glenn moved back to the Mayes' family farm in Statesville, built a home, and immersed themselves in their families, their community, and their church family at New Salem United Methodist Church.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at New Salem United Methodist. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. before the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.



Surviving family includes Lizzy Mayes, devoted dog; her almost adopted son Stanley Klein; brother Ralph N. Blackwelder of Richmond, VA; brother Roy D. Blackwelder and his wife Carol of High Point, NC; sister Joyce Mulford Tinsley and her husband Roger of Shreveport, LA; brother-in-law Henry E. Stevenson of Cedar Park, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Eugene Mayes, sister Pauline Blackwelder Stevenson, brother-in-law David Mulford, and nephew Tyler David Williams.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Stanley Klein, Hospice, and all of the wonderful caregivers, who gave Mabel loving care in her home.



In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to New Salem United Methodist Church at New Salem United Methodist Church, 155 New Salem Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to The Tyler David Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, 30 S. Greene St, Ste 100, Greensboro, NC 27401.



Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Mabel Blackwelder Mayes.



Donations may be made to:

New Salem United Methodist Church155 New Salem Road, Statesville NC 28625The Tyler David Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro30 S. Greene Street, Suite 100, Greensboro NC 27401