Mary Margaret Mayes

Mary Margaret (Jones) Mayes, affectionately called Peggy, was the daughter of the late Margaret Carolyn and Luther Thomas Jones. She was born on June 24, 1944 at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, DC. She was the third of five siblings. On the morning of Friday, January 1, 2021, an Angel of the Lord visited the home of Charles and Peggy Mayes. The Angel took Peggy to join her mother, father, brother (Luther T. Jones, Jr.), mother-in-law (Josephine Hazel Mays), father-in-law (Odell Mays) and sister-in-law (Joann Mayes), all of whom preceded her in death.

Peggy attended Parkview Elementary School, Banneker Junior High School, and Cardozo High School. Peggy was reared with Christian values, and accepted Christ at an early age. She met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Charles Ulysses Mayes at Springfield Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Both families worshipped there as well. Peggy was a faithful and an active member of Springfield Baptist Church. She was a long-standing member of the Voices of Zion Choir and The Women’s Ministry serving as the Program Chairperson. She was very instrumental in the Mr. and Miss Springfield Scholarship Program Pageant. With her encouragement, two nieces and one nephew participated in the scholarship pageant.

Peggy and Charles were united in love and holy matrimony on Saturday, June 18, 1966. A marriage that spanned more than 54 years. After sharing many years of love together, they were happy and blessed with their son David Ulysses Mayes. They were delighted and anxious to begin sharing with David, this new chapter in their family’s life. They shared many adventures, family trips and reunions. Their family excursions included a cruise to the Caribbean and traveling to many cities, states, and countries. David was Peggy’s pride and joy and she made sure he knew it! Her family was of the utmost importance to her. Peggy was very protective of her son and loved him deeply. She also loved and adored her grandchildren, Michael, Sarai, and Sydney.

Peggy served in the capacity of Co-Director and Teacher of Wibble Wobble Child Development Learning Center for over 43 years. She was the dependable one behind the family-owned business. Over the past four decades, she wore many hats in order to ensure the smooth and cohesive operation of the business. Peggy’s work ethic was impeccable; keeping her skills sharpened, her credentials and certifications were continuously updated. She annually attended educational training classes and forums to remain current in the latest advancements and changes in child care development. Staff, parents, and children loved and respected “Mrs. Mayes.” Parents often brought their children back to visit her. Many former students who attended years ago, returned as adults, bringing their children to the center because of the quality care and safe environment Mrs. Mayes ensured each child.

Peggy, an avid music lover, enjoyed dancing, and attending live concerts and plays. She was a member, in good standing, of Patti LaBelle’s Fan Club. Whenever Patti LaBelle performed in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas, her very biggest fan, Peggy, was always front and center. Peggy even traveled with her sister Pat, to Philadelphia, PA., to enjoy a fan club weekend of activities, which included a tour of Patti LaBelle’s hometown.

Peggy was also the consummate Independent Sales Consultant for Mary Kay and Avon. She provided years of beauty and makeup products, tips and advice for a multitude of women and men. She made each clients feel as if they were her only customer. She was admired for her own beauty and applauded for the beauty she brought out in so many others. Peggy could often be heard saying, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all. It’s You!”

During her life, Peggy assumed many roles but, her greatest was servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her daily walk demonstrated her strong faith in God and exemplified her best traits: kindness; service to others; joy; patience; gratitude and generosity.

Peggy acquired many lifelong friends. She had an easy-going personality, coupled with her generous spirit, and sincere and caring heart. She will forever be remembered as a loving, caring, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Peggy’s legacy lives on through her devoted husband, Charles U. Mayes; her cherished son, David U. Mayes; her loving daughter-in-law, LaKisha; her loving grandchildren, Michael, Sarai and Sydney; her sisters, Rae Jones Hubbard (Vincent), I. Patricia Anglin (Henry), Diane V. Jones; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Donna Jones, Billie-Jean Brown (Keith), Sevia Mayes, Lloyd Mayes (Debbie), and Stanley Mayes (Geraldine); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition, Peggy shared special relationships with Godsons, Kevin Gavin and Brian Jones, her travel partner, Pearline Thomas, and her lifelong friends, Joe and Norma Jones.