Lajaunta Mayes

LaJaunta Sue Mayes 55 year old resident of Welch; passed away Sun., July 24, 2011, at her parents' home. Mayes was born Nov. 28, 1955, in Miami, Okla., to Nancy Sue (Goins) and Carroll Elton "Kato" Mayes. Mayes graduated high school in Riverbank, Calif., and earned her Bachelor's Degree at Fresno State University and Master's degree at California State University Stanislaus. She worked her entire adult life and had a long career with the United States Postal Service. November would have marked her twentieth anniversary with the post office, the last 10 plus years of which were spent as postmistress in Welch. Before her health began to fail, Mayes was very active in the community as a member of the Lions Club and the Welch Kappa Nu sorority, and she was a member of Welch Christian Church. In spite of her health problems, Mayes was a conscientious and helpful postal employee, as well as an avid reader. She may be best known for her love and care for children, whether those in her own family or in the community. Mayes has coordinated Christmas gift donations for needy children for many years, and she shopped continuously for items she knew she could eventually use to bless a child. Her absence will be both large and evident in the community. She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Herman and Marie Goins of Vinita, Okla., step-father Lloyd Shadbolt of Welch and paternal grandparents Euell and Sadie Mayes of Miami, Okla. She is survived by her father Kato Mayes of Miami, her mother Nancy Shadbolt of Welch, ; two brothers, John Mayes and wife Renee of Commerce, Okla., and Richard Mayes of Lexington, Okla.; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mayes of Welch, Okla., and Lauretta Coker of Noble, Okla.; three nieces, Hannah Ditzler, Jennifer Schmidt, Shaylee Smith; two nephews, John Elton Mayes, Jr., Chris Franks; five great-nieces; five great-nephews; many friends; and a community who loved her. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday evening July 27, 2011 at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita. The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Welch Christian Church, with Pastor Brad Canham officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully suggests donations either to Welch Christian Church or the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org). Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Thursday, July 28th, 2011 11:00am, Welch Christian Church