I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God won't let your foot slip. Your protector won't fall asleep on the job. No! Israel's protector never sleeps or rests! The Lord is your protector; the Lord is your shade right beside you. The sun won't strike you during the day; neither will the moon at night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; God will protect your very life. The Lord will protect you on your journeys—whether going or coming—from now until forever from now.
Psalm 121
Mayo Reaves was born on February 23, 1940, in Marlboro County, South Carolina to the late Pearline Gadson Reaves and James Reaves Sr.
And departed his life on July 14, 2024, at Novant Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina after a brief illness.
Mayo was raised in Latta, South Carolina by his Grandmother Sae.
He moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina in 1957. After moving to Winston Salem, Mayo began a career as a cement finisher. This noteworthy and gifted skill led him to begin a career with the City of Winston-Salem as a cement finisher in the street department. He retired from the City of Winston- Salem after 20 years of service. Having a joy for his skill as a cement finisher, Mayo continued with a partnership with his brother, where they created a cement finishing business.
Mayo found love after moving to Winston-Salem, NC and married his lifetime partner and friend, Mae Patrick Reaves.
Shortly after his retirement, Mayo found Christ. In doing so he became extremely active in his church. To show his dedication to his church and church family, he joined the security ministry at Genesis Victory Outreach Center.
Having a love for his family, In the late 1980s Mayo began organizing Family Reunions.
Mayo was the dedicated chairman for the; Gadson/Campbell/Reaves/DeBerry Family Reunion for over thirty years. He worked tirelessly to make sure family members were familiar with each other.
Mayo was known as the family historian, if questions were presented about a relative, Mayo was the person everyone looked to for clarification and details.
Mayo was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Patrick Reaves, daughter, Marian Conrad Norwood, mother Pearline Gadson Reaves, his father James Reaves Sr., brother, Willie Moses and sisters Rosa Lee Reaves DeBerry, Mary Lee McRae and stepson, Larry Conrad.
Mayo leaves to cherish precious memories his daughters, Marie L. Reaves, Marilyn (Carlos) Crawford, son, Mayo Conrad Jr., brother James Reaves, son-in-law, Lamont Norwood, stepsons, William Patrick, Leon Cole Jr. and Lewis Cole all of Winston- Salem, NC.
Stepchildren; Roger Conrad, Enaol Conrad and Veronica Jones.
And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mayo was loved by many, a man who loved imparting wisdom, he was also a devoted father, grandfather, friend and mentor, who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A public viewing will be held Friday July 19, 2024, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral Services will be held Saturday July 20, 2024, at 12:30pm from Genius Victory Outreach Center and interment will follow Monday, July 23, 2024, at 10:00 am in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friend at 12:00pm Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.