Eleanor Mayo

Eleanor Mayo had an undeniable way of giving, and through her selfless care of others, was blessed beyond compare her whole life through. Although she suffered through her share of heartache, Eleanor was, above all, loved abundantly. The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nations history. The Roaring Twenties redefined the culture of America, and the discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine. Although the U.S. was unknowingly on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event in the lives of Donavan and Augusta (Fish) Twining was the birth of their little girl, Eleanor Lorraine on February 27, 1928. Born and raised in the West Michigan community of Muskegon, Eleanor was the oldest of eventually seven children in the Twining home. Her father supported their family as a wallpaper hanger while her mother was a busy homemaker. They made their family home on Catawba Street in downtown Muskegon, and while growing up great times were shared visiting the local beaches and taking in outdoor activities during the cold months of winter. Eleanor attended the area schools and during her teenage years, her parents divorced. With times already a struggle during the Great Depression, she left her schooling behind after her ninth grade year to help provide for her family. Eleanor was married for a very brief time at the age of 17 to Robert Lubert, but their marriage soon came to an end when he left to serve during World War II. Picking herself back up, Eleanor continued to help with her younger siblings and worked at a dime store in the downtown area. Before long she met Gus Bray, a young man who stole her heart. A local bus driver, the two began a dating relationship, fell in love and were happily joined in marriage on June 14, 1947. Nothing brought Eleanor greater happiness than beginning a family of her own. Their son, Stan was born in 1948, followed by son Darryl in 1949 and daughter, Cheryl in 1950. Another daughter, Arlene came along in 1952, and son, Robert completed their family in 1956. In 1953, Eleanor's mother passed away. At that time, she and Gus packed up their family and moved into her mothers house, taking on the responsibility of raising her two youngest siblings, David and Charlotte, as her own. In time they eventually moved to a home in Fruitport Township. Although a busy household, Eleanor made a good home for Gus and the children. He was a local race car driver, and it nearly broke Eleanor's heart when he was killed in an accident at the track in 1959. With young children left to raise on her own as a single mother, Eleanor began working as a retail clerk at several area stores including Miracle Mart, D-Mart, and Mr. Charles. Although never easy, she made do and did the best she could to make sure her children were properly cared for, and loved. She was also very observant and had a keen sense when it came to her children. It was such the case that they even gave her the nickname, The Hawk because nothing much got past her! One night, while out with a few of her friends, Eleanor was at a local nightclub listening to the band. Floyd Mayo was in the band with his brothers. A talented musician, he played the mandolin, banjo and trumpet. Once their eyes met, it was love at first sight for both of them. Deeply in love, they married on August 21, 1964. Floyd had children from a previous marriage, and between the two of them, they had ten children in all. A few of their kids were already grown and out on their own when they married, but their families blended very well together. Together they enjoyed many fun-filled camping trips in their pop-up trailer around the state as well as a memorable month long camping trip to California. Eleanor eventually went to work in food service for Fruitport schools. Deemed a "lunch lady, she absolutely loved her job along with taking care of the children at school. A natural born caretaker, Eleanor was the happiest when she could help others. She even took in one of her grandchildren and raised him for a while. She also had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories about the kids at school where she worked. As Floyd continued to play with local bands, Eleanor often accompanied him when he performed, and always encouraged him in this area of their lives. The two of them also loved to dance and people used to stop and watch them when they were on the dance floor. After 20 years, Eleanor retired from Fruitport Schools, but she couldn't sit idle. She went on to serve meals for a few years at the Ottawa county jail before retiring completely. During this time, Eleanor and Floyd lost two of their sons, Darryl and Robert to cancer. Truly a time of emotion and heartache, it was tough on both of them. In time, Floyd began experiencing health issues. As a source of strength by his side, Eleanor lovingly devoted the rest of her life to taking care of him. Following his death in 2010, Eleanor lost some of her will to live. Her own health began to suffer, and she often said she wished she had someone else to take care of. Ever selfless, Eleanor Mayo was a good hearted woman who lovingly looked after those in her care with endless devotion and dedication. She touched many with her giving heart, and will be deeply missed and remembered. She and Floyd are once again dancing together. Mrs. Eleanor L. Mayo, age 84, died Friday, January 25, 2013. She is survived by her sons, Stan (Shirley) Bray of Newaygo, Robert Bray of Fruitport, David (Joyce) Twining of Newaygo, Sam (Kathy) Mayo of Holton; daughters, Cheryl Black of Fruitport, Arlene Bray of Fruitport, Charlotte Needham of Georgia, Michelle (Jerry) Lampman of Grant; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; brothers, Donavan (Irene) Twining, Clark (Cindy) Twining. Along with her husbands, Gus Bray and Floyd Mayo, Eleanor was preceded in death by her sons, Darryl Bray and Robert Mayo; brother, Dick Twining; sister, Delores Pearo. SERVICE: Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. VISITATION: Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or photo of Eleanor and to sign her online guest book.