Gilbert Roy Mayo

Gilbert Roy Mayo went home to Jesus on July 16, 2026 at age 91. He was born to Leo and Neva (Church) Mayo on September 30, 1934 in Jackson, Michigan. He went to school in Parma and completed the 8th grade. He met his loving wife, Jessie (Swope) at school. They married on March 7, 1953. Jessie entered Heavens Gate December 25, 2012, just 10 weeks before their 60th wedding anniversary.

They started their life together in Jackson, Michigan. Gilbert reunites with his parents, wife, daughter Gloria Jean, son Gilbert Alan “Bert”, great-grandchildren Victoria Solomon and Hudson Hicok, brothers Richard, Jimmy, Leonard, Merlin and sisters Dorothy, Katie, Carol, Patty, Barbara, Wanda and Beverly.

He leaves to cherish his memory, daughter Reta (Bobby) Shanes and Wendy (Chris) Duguid. Granddaughters Michelle (Steve) Abbey, Tammy (Darcy) Sunkle, Misty (Russell) West, Sarah (Scott) Crips, Brenda (Nick) White and Brittney Hicok. Great-Grandchildren Kayla (Kenneth) Legare, Emily and Madason McDonald, Eric, Kyle, Nicholas (Katelyn) and Nathan (Ashlynn) Sunkle, Alexandria Solomon, Abigail and Brayden West, Summer (Bev) Newell, Tyler, Joseph, Andrew Crips, Jayleigh Knight, Colton Steilen, Jaiedyn Sweatt, Landyn, Maceyn, Lincoln and Grayson Walker, Boston and Madilynn Hicok. Great Great-Grandchildren KaeDyence, Kamyah and Kingston Legare, Oakley Konkle, Laken and Wylder Hill, Olivia and Eli Sunkle, Nicholas Sunkle, Taysen Ritter, Avana and Myrick Hickingbottom, MacKenzie Crips and Onyx Newell. Brothers Leo (Leola) Mayo, Dale (Reatha) Mayo and sister Linda Evans.

Gilbert was not only a life-long Farmer, but also owned and operated Mayo Welding, worked for Sears Ro. Co, Walker Manufacturing, Boyer Tool and Die, and General Motors Local 625 UAW from August 18, 1981 to March 1, 1998. He received his Journeyman’s Status as a Toolmaker in 1982. If he couldn’t buy it, he would figure out a way to build it. He hosted Bonfires, Hot dog roasts, Pig roasts, and Family Reunions. He had teams of Percheron horses he would use to pull wagon loads of family members during these events, Sunday drives around town and for his daughter’s wedding. He enjoyed going to Auctions, Garage Sales, Shipshewana and Steam Engine shows. During the last 10 years he found a special companionship, Shirley Rowley, to share his time with. They enjoyed taking trips, restaurant meals and enjoying each other’s company.

He took great pride in creating multiple gardens each year. He was blessed to reap the benefits of his hard work and share the abundance of his harvest. He also loved having flowers/plants and flower beds.

Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 12:00pm until the time of service at 1:00pm, with Reverend Doctor Brad Smith and Pastor Justin Nierer.  Burial immediately following at Pherdun Cemetery for immediate family.  Refreshments will take place following the burial at Sandstone Congregational Church 710 South Sandstone Road , Jackson, Michigan beginning at 2:30pm. 

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