Eleanor Mayo Ross

Beloved mother and grandmother, Eleanor Worth Mayo Ross, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on June 29, 1947, in Clayton, North Carolina, Eleanor dedicated her life to caring for others—whether through her deep love for her family or her unwavering commitment to helping those in crisis.

Eleanor was the proud mother of Thurman William Ross III ("Trae") of Apalachicola, FL, and Cameron Trent Mayo ("Trent") of Kennesaw, GA. She adored her grandchildren, Ellis Elizabeth Ross, Emme Louise Ross, Evan Wallace Ross, Thomas Walker Mayo, and Finley Louise Mayo, who brought her immeasurable joy. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Kelsey Ross Mayo, her sister, Louise Cherille Mayo of Kennesaw, GA, and her brother, John Walter Mayo III of Clayton, NC.

Eleanor was a distinguished expert in traumatic stress, crisis response, and workplace violence prevention. She was the President and Founder of Eleanor M. Ross & Associates, Workplace Violence Specialists, for 30 years. In this role, she counseled and helped thousands of individuals affected by workplace violence and trauma. Additionally, she led the team of counselors during the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and led volunteers responding during the September 11, 2001, tragedy. She also worked with management, survivors, and families of victims of commercial airline crashes and other critical incidents nationwide.

Eleanor’s credentials reflected her unparalleled expertise in crisis management and her commitment to advancing trauma response:

• F.A.A.E.T.S. (Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress) – The highest honor within the AAETS, recognizing her leadership and contributions in trauma intervention.

• B.C.E.T.S. (Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress)

• B.C.E.C.R. (Board Certified Expert in Emergency Crisis Response)

• B.C.B.T. (Board Certified in Bereavement Trauma)

• B.C.S.C.R. (Board Certified in School Crisis Response)

• C.T. (Certified Traumatologist)

• C.D.M.S. (Certified Disability Management Specialist)

• C.C.M. (Certified Case Manager)

Eleanor’s contributions were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, underscoring the depth of her impact:

• The President’s Award (1971) – Presented by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions, this honor acknowledged Eleanor’s exemplary service in refining workers’ compensation laws worldwide.

• Commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel (1979) – The highest civilian honor given by the Governor of Kentucky, recognizing her outstanding service and commitment to humanitarian causes.

• The Order of the Long Leaf Pine (1981) – North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by the Governor of North Carolina to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary service and contributions to the community.

Beyond her professional achievements, Eleanor embodied grace, intelligence, and an unwavering dedication to helping others. Eleanor embraced life with curiosity and a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that enriched her journey. She carried herself with class and confidence, navigating life’s challenges with strength and determination, yet never lost her playful spirit or sense of adventure.

Eleanor found immense happiness in supporting and encouraging her family. She shared her older son Trae’s love for the water, encouraging him to pursue his captain’s license and spending countless days with him at the lake. She also supported her younger son, Trent, in his passion for music and racing. They traveled together all over the southeast as the only Mother-Son race team chasing checkered flags. She was, quite simply, a remarkable individual who loved deeply and who was deeply loved in return.

A simple graveside service will be held at 11:30am at Maplewood Cemetery in Clayton, North Carolina, on Friday, May 23, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Eleanor’s honor to a local charity of your choice. If you choose to do so, please let the family know by emailing [email protected] so that her spirit of service and generosity may continue to inspire others.