Velia Ann Mayer

Velia Ann Mayer, 83, of Madison, Mississippi, died Saturday, May 16, 2026. Born in Titus County, Texas, Vee, as she was fondly known, was the daughter of Opal and Velia John (V.J.) Mayer, both of whom predeceased her. She was a cherished friend to many who was known for her fun-loving nature and generous spirit, spoiling those that were closest to her.

Vee graduated from Palestine High School in 1961 and continued her education at the University of Mississippi, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965, Vee taught middle school students in Natchez for one school year. When reminiscing about her 9 months as a teacher, she would always say, “Those kids would have driven me to drink, but I couldn’t afford it on my salary.” It was during that time that she decided to go back to Ole Miss law school, graduating in 1968 as the only woman in her class.

Vee had a highly successful legal career. She began as one of the first female clerks at the Mississippi Supreme Court and then became a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of Mississippi. From there, she went on to practice law at Watkins & Eager, becoming one of the firm's first female partners. She also practiced law at Cothren and Pittman, and later at the Cothren Law Firm where she worked with Butch Cothren for many years. Vee also taught at the Mississippi College School of Law.

Vee loved traveling the world including many countries in Europe, Mexico, Egypt, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Holy Land. She had many hilarious stories of her various run-ins with the customs officers. She loved the theatre, fine dining, fine hotels, and any spa, where she enjoyed nothing more than a massage and being pampered. She also loved reading, watching sports on TV, especially her Ole Miss Rebels, and going to the movies where if you were lucky enough to accompany her, she would treat you to the large popcorn and drink to make it even more enjoyable. One adventure that produced many funny stories was her stint as a dog owner. She always said her Lhasa apso, “Fine Dog”, trained her in less than 5 hours instead of the other way around.

Vee was lovingly called “Aunt Vee” by many and was known to be the best gift giver. Christmas was especially memorable because her Auntie Claus seemed to outshine Santa Claus every single time. No holiday or birthday went by, even in her last days while in the hospital, without a hand-picked card, usually stuffed with cash, sent by her. She made everyone around her feel loved and special, and she will be deeply missed by all those that she touched.

Vee is survived by her family of choice, Evonne and Randell Arender, Lisa and Don Haynie and their children Mary Parker, Bailen and Ally, Clara and the late Colton Joorfetz, Emily and Johnny Joorfetz and their children Holden, John Colton and Tanner, Honey and Larry May and their children, Isabel and Lyla, and Sarah and Sumner May along with her many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with a private burial in Palestine, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Stewpot Community Services in Jackson, Mississippi.