Mary Arnada Wilson Mayes

Mary Arnada Wilson Mayes, age 93, was married to John A. Mayes, Jr. for 75 years. John preceded her in death in 2015. She was born in Union County, Tennessee. As a teenager, her family moved to Halls Crossroads in Knox County as a result of the TVA Norris Dam project. She lived in Halls most of her adult life. In her younger years, she was known for her fine sewing skills and made all the clothing for herself and three daughters. Her hand made and smocked baby dresses made for friends are still treasured and passed down. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural letter carrier for 30 years, retiring in 1985. She was the first woman to be a rural letter carrier in Knox County. Many of her happiest memories and stories were from her postal career, and she took a personal interest in the people and animals on her mail route. She even carried dog food for hungry stray dogs she saw on her route. In retirement, she became avid about genealogy and documented family history for several generations. She was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her parents Oakley and Monnie Wilson, and brother Duane Wilson. Survivors include, daughters Katrine Jurjevich (Anthony), Elaine Mayes (Jon Newkirk), and Eunice Sebby (David); grandchildren John Jurjevich (Jenny), Katrina Crane (Rich); great grandchildren Serena Crane, Brandon Crane, and David Jurjevich. The family wishes to thank Debbie Nicely for her loving and faithful caregiving for more than four years, and John and Jenny Jurjevich for their caregiving in the last year. We also thank the staff at Tennova Healthcare for their care in her last days. Family and friends will meet at 1:45 am, Friday, April 21, 2017 at Lynnhurst Cemetery for a 2pm graveside service, Dr. Alan Price officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm, Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel. Please leave online condolences for the Mayes family at www.mynattfh.com.