Elizabeth Ann Mayes

Elizabeth Ann Weeks Mayes, born January 25, 1944 died after a long illness Saturday, December 4, 2021 surrounded by her children. She was born in Tishomingo, MS, to Maudie Pennington Weeks and Homer Weeks, Sr.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Homer Weeks, Jr. and husband Jimmy Mayes. She continues to live through her family including her sister Peggy Jean Elder and her husband Felton Elder; her children Sherri Bush, Sheila McPherson, Michael and Kris Mayes and Heather Pierpoint; and her grandchildren: Bret McPherson, Ryan and Melissa McPherson, Tiger Lily and Jett Mayes, Layla Mayes and Reese and Roxie Pierpoint. She also knew three great-grandchildren: Peyton Kirton and Knox and Elizabeth McPherson.

Elizabeth graduated from Beech Bluff High School, class of 1962. She graduated from Union University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science in 1990 and worked for Child and Elderly Protective Services in Chester and Madison Counties until her retirement. She continued to stay in touch with many of “her kids,” the children she helped, for the rest of her life.

An eleven-year survivor of lung cancer, Elizabeth participated in the clinical trial of new cancer treatment Opdivo, a treatment now FDA approved and shown to save lives. She proudly donated her body to further health education, after which her remains will be interred at Ridgecrest Cemetery beside her husband.

Elizabeth, known by many as Libby, was a natural storyteller, one who instilled in her children and grandchildren a passion for books, knowledge and creativity. Throughout her life she made quilts, crocheted baby blankets and sewed clothing. Cooking for Libby was an art and a comfort, and she created cookbooks of her recipes that she often gave to family and friends. Each month, she felt it important to personally deliver food to area shelters and missions. She was awarded over 200 ribbons for her cooking and canned goods from the Madison County Fair between 1988-2015.

Visitation will be held 11am Friday, December 10th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1665 US-45 Bypass in Jackson, TN, with mass beginning at noon. A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held the same day, 2pm at Premier Place, 2628 N Highland Ave, in Jackson. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Elizabeth Ann Mayes to the Vanderbilt Center for Cancer Research or to the Dream Center of Jackson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Mayes family.