LEMONS
Mayo Kelly Martin Lemons, age 101 years, and a resident of Pickaway, WV, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Greenbrier Health Care Center, Lewisburg, WV. Mayo was born November 3, 1921, on the Lynnside Estate, Sweet Springs, WV, to Harry Adolphus and Edith Baker Martin.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Lee Lemons of Pickaway; her sister, Frances Pruitt of Chilhowie, VA; her brothers, Bill Martin of Union, and infant, Grayden Martin.
Survivors include her children, Linda Lee Lemons Walker (Clay) of Gainesville, FL, and Gary Wayne Lemons (Betty) of Pickaway; and her sister, Jessie Martin DeBusk of Urbanna, VA. Children were always welcomed and loved by Mayo. She has one grandson, Michael Walker of Gainesville FL; and three step-grandchildren, Michelle Miller, Tina Johnson (TJ Williams) of Pickaway, and Tony Johnson (Jessica) of Lindside.
Her step-great-grandchildren are Haylee Miller, Hunter, Devin, Dylan, Ridge, and Ryan Johnson and Kennedy, Grayson, Maci, Ava, and Ellee Johnson. She will be missed by several nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mayo graduated from Union High School, class of 1939. She and her classmate, Hazel Shrader, celebrated the anniversary with ice cream, each May, until 2019. They were lifelong best friends, as well as family.
October 3, 1943, Mayo and Shelby Lemons were married in Chilhowie, VA. After a few months, they returned to Monroe county, running a dairy farm, while raising cows, chickens, hogs, horses and sheep, cats, and dogs. Mayo loved her gardens of flowers and vegetables. Rhubarb strawberry jam was a prime gift to her friends and family. Her Gladiolus were gorgeous.
Fleischmann’s Yeast determined that Mayo could make prize winning “lite” bread. She would sew and often made Linda dresses. The biscuits that she made each morning around 5:30, before spending 3 hours at the diary, are remembered by many. Working beside her husband, caring for their land, was one of her greatest joys. Other than 7 months spent in Virginia, working in a mill making socks for soldiers in 1943, Mayo lived her entire life in Monroe County.
After Shelby passed in 1979, Mayo’s son, Gary, took over the farm. Mayo began a new career working as an assistant to Virginia Campbell in her photography business. The two friends spent many hours working together to provide prompt and meaningful pictures for local clients.
Crocheting beautiful tablecloths, doilies, afghans, and Christmas snowflakes was Mayo’s happiest hobby. She was a true master.
A devoted, lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Pickaway, her strong faith was shared with all. An active member of the United Methodist Women for over 50 years, she served on committees and in offices, always willing to do what she could. She was a woman of her word and enjoyed using her skills to benefit others. Mayo was an active member of the Monroe County Farm Women’s Club (CEOS) for many years.
Her love of life, and of those with whom she shared that life, was very apparent. Mayo was rarely seen without a smile and a good word. She asked little and gave greatly to all she knew.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Pickaway, WV, with Pastors Dallas Forren and Gene Fullen officiating. Burial will follow in New Lebanon Cemetery at Pickaway. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 1 p.m. until time of the service at the church.
The family humbly requests that those planning on attending the services please consider wearing a mask due to the rise in covid-19 and flu cases. Also, the service will be livestreamed from the Groves-Mann Facebook page, beginning at 2 p.m. for those who would like to watch the service online.
The family suggests memorial donations being made in Mayo’s memory go to Trinity United Methodist Church, Nelson Jenkins, 100 Rowan Road, Sinks Grove, WV 24976.
Online condolences and signing of the online guestbook may be done by visiting www.groves-mann.com.
Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union, WV.
