Beverly Mayes

Times spent enjoying life and the love of family were of the greatest importance to Bev Mayes. She was a woman of character who found joy in living. She will be remembered not only for her feisty ways, but her loving warmth that was shown in the things she was passionate about. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. With the devastating crash of the stock market, the infamous Roaring 20s gave way to hard economic times throughout the world, officially launching The Great Depression. In a country that had seen much growth and prosperity, financial uncertainty touched every American household. Even through these times of hardship, wonderful novels made their debut by novelist and writer Ernest Hemingway, and medical breakthroughs were making headlines as Penicillin was first used to fight infection. For Leonard and Kathryn (Aulette) Heinle, a young couple in Detroit, Michigan, these times were cause for celebration when they welcomed the birth of a daughter they named Beverly Susan, born on November 27, 1929. Beverly, or Bev as she was known, joined older brother, Leonard, Jr., later welcoming younger brother, Robert. Beverlys father provided well for his family as a buyer of sheet metal and various raw material for the Ford Motor Company, while her mother stayed home caring for the children and the household. Beverly enjoyed a typical childhood growing up alongside her two brothers. She and her younger brother Bob developed a close bond that would remain strong throughout their lives. The family made their home on the northwest side of Detroit, and were quite devout in their Catholic faith. As a family, they spent summer vacations together along the shores of White Lake in northern Muskegon where lasting memories were made. Beverly attended St. Cecilias and St. Marys schools before going on to attend high school at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. After graduating, Beverly had the opportunity to travel to Europe where she remained for a time, later returning home to the states to attend DuChane Finishing School, an all girls boarding school located in New York City. After finishing school, Beverly returned to Detroit, living at home with her family. She found work as a secretary for a diamond broker before taking another secretarial position at Maxitrol, a valve manufacturing company located in Southfield, MI. Throughout this time, Beverly went out on a few dates, but found nothing serious. Bevs mother was quite particular about the men she dated. But Bev was an outgoing young woman with a feisty attitude, and was never afraid to speak her mind. She spent much time with her family and their friends and relatives at cottages on Lake St. Clair, taking in all the area had to offer. She especially enjoyed the summer months there with endless cocktail parties, times spent socializing, and the opportunity to meet new people. Quite often, players from the Detroit Tigers attended the parties too, and for a time, Bev even began dating one of the Tiger baseball trainers. While enjoying some memorable times at the summer place in Lake St. Clair, Bev met a gentleman named Robert Mayes who tended bar at one of the local taverns. Bev and Bob were quite taken with one another, and eventually began dating. Even after they had dated for several years, Bevs mother continued to be very particular about who Bev spent her time with. She didnt much care for Bob at first, but he finally won her over, and the two were happily married on April 1, 1967. In 1969, Bev and Bob were blessed with a daughter they named Susan, followed by son Jeff in 1970. They made their home in the Detroit area and were socially active with the Elks Club there. Bev became quite a cook and was known for her eggplant parmesan and wild rice and mushrooms. Bev spent her time active in the childrens lives, and taking care of the household. Bev had a passion for dogs, and over time, she began raising German Shepherds. She was a lifetime member of the German Shepherd Club of Detroit where she served as a past president, and held many other positions there over the years as well. Bev also had her own kennel she called Von Heinle Mayes Kennels. Throughout the years, Bev participated in many dog shows and had several champions. Her first champion was named Lady. Due to Bobs work, the family moved several times. They lived in South Haven for a time, and in Georgia for a while too. They eventually returned to Union Lake, Michigan in 1980, remaining there until 1989 when Bob took a position with Continental Motors in Muskegon. Bev was not happy about moving to Muskegon. She made the best of it though, but did not like being away from her friends. She had become quite social with her friends and liked living near the big city and everything it had to offer. In Muskegon, Bev spent her time in her continued labor of love raising her dogs, and participating in showing them. Bev also found enjoyment by spending her time shopping on the Home Shopping Network and QVC. She absolutely loved it, so much so that her son Jeff always said that the delivery drivers in town all must know where she lived! Over time, Bob began experiencing some health issues with COPD. Bev was devoted in her loving care of him during this time. Eventually, their daughter Sue moved back to the area to be closer to them, and to help out. Sadly, Bob died in 2005. As a grandmother, Bev loved to spend time with her granddaughter Samantha, especially after Bobs death. They often enjoyed fun sleepovers together at Samanthas house where Bev would sleep in the lower bunk, while Samantha slept in the upper bunk. Bevs love and passion for her dogs was shared by her daughter Sue, also. They both continued to raise their dogs, often attending shows, and even competing together. She and Bev became active members in the Muskegon Kennel Club. The years began taking a toll on Bev and her heart, and she began having some health issues of her own. At the age of 79, Beverly Susan Mayes died on Friday, March 6, 2009. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Bev is survived by her son, Jeff Mayes of Muskegon; daughter, Sue (Marc) Witham of Twin Lake; granddaughter, Samantha Witham; her brothers, Robert (Christine) Heinle of Farmington and Leonard (Joan) Heinle of FL; many nieces & nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, 1:00 PM at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon where friends can meet with Bevs family for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to the family are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or sign her online guest book.