Mr. Ernest Wilmoth Mayo's Obituary
ERNEST WILMOTH MAYO
Fun loving, Devoted Husband, Father, and Friend to many
Our beloved Ernest Wilmoth Mayo was born on April 19, 1961, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of ten children.
Ernest was an adventurous and athletic child, playing football and baseball at the Boys Club. He attended Boston Technical High School, where he quickly became a rising star as a middle linebacker on the football team, leading them to a state championship. Ernest went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on accounting from Prairie View A&M University.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague, Ernest was loved. He and Paulette Kelly Mayo were married on April 20, 1991. They originally met at Prairie View A&M University, but it would be four years later that they would meet again by chance when their paths crossed. They were true PV Panthers and would often attend homecoming games and events proudly sporting their purple and gold. Ernest was known for always wearing a hat for every occasion. Later in life, he adopted the signature Texas style wearing Stetson cowboy hats and boots.
Ernest was a devoted husband for 32 years. He was always following his beloved wife’s orders, Paulette, and enjoyed spending time with his children, Stephen, Bristol, Dakarai, and Dhakaya. His children were his pride and joy, but his love for his grandchildren, lil’ Stephen and Sydne “bear,” shined brighter. Ernest was always there for his family, whether he was making lunch for Paulette, getting up early to make his kids breakfast, school pick-up Dad with a car full of kids, or guiding them through life.
He dedicatedly served the youth of Living Word Fellowship Church through the transportation ministry, as a Boy Scouts leader, a P.A.C.E. mentor, and community dad. Under his leadership as scoutmaster, he guided scouts to the highest achievement of Eagle Scout, including his son Dakarai.
To his friends, Ernest was generous, truly quick-witted, a football fanatic for “god’s team” the New England Patriots, enjoyed cigars, and loved family events. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him for his on-the-spot comments and his willingness to give guidance and support.
Ernest was committed to the students of Aldine Senior High School as a Career Technology Educator. He taught Global Business and Business Law. His students loved and respected “Mr. Mayo.” He moonlighted at United Airlines as a part-time baggage handler. His coworkers knew him as a get-it-done, fun-loving jokester.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Ernest Bristol and Mary L. Mayo, brothers Robert Mayo, Leon “Bud” Mayo, Charlie Mayo, Richard Mayo, Ronald Mayo, Lester Mayo, and Kevin (Salaah Rahiim) Mayo, and his dear brothers in friendship Amos “Moose” Jones, Gary “Slackjaw” Dixon, and James “Jimmy” Mayer, all reunited in Heaven. If you were curious to know, Ernest was known as “Hammahead.”
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Paulette Mayo, sons Stephen (Shanika), Bristol (Rachel), and Dakarai, daughter Dhakaya, grandchildren Stephen, II, Sydne, Britton, and Bristol, II, siblings Lawrence Mayo and Deborah Mayo, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.
Ernest Mayo’s extraordinary life has left an unforgettable influence on this world. His family is his legacy.
For livestream access to his service: https://www.youtube.com/live/RX8sx3GXFVU?si=GN_tNdhXK2nCTQcv
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