Bluie Lee Mayes

Bluie Lee (Willis) Mayes was born on June 10th, 1943 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Theodore and Helen (Anchahubbi) Willis. She grew up in Houston, TX but as a teen she relocated to Tahlequah, OK, it was from here that Bluie met the love of her life and graduated high school. She married William Mayes and began her family with the birth of her beloved sons, Benjamin and Theodore. They were her pride and joy. As the boys grew, she decided on a career as an educator. She attended Northeastern State University and received her degree in Special Education. Bluie taught for 7 years at Warner and 13 years at Boynton and retired in 2001. Bluie was deeply devoted to Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior and would be at the church any time the doors were open. She also loved spending time with her family and helping others in any way she could, sharing her time and talents. After retirement she volunteered as an ombudsman at Ft.Gibson nursing home and was even recognized as regional volunteer of the year in 2009. She loved working craft shows with her Dad and step mother and working in her gardens raising beautiful flowers and vegetables. Bluie was also an avid reader, Bible first, but then she could knock out a couple of mysteries a week. Bluie’s long walk on this earth with her Savior whom she served her entire life ended on July 17th, 2023 in Ft. Gibson at the same nursing home she had volunteered at years earlier. She left this world with family at her side and entered God’s Glory. She was 80 years old and touched many lives.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Almus Frank and Stella Mae (Beaver) Willis, parents, Ted and Helen Willis, her stepmother and best friend, Naomi Willis. Her husband of 18 yrs, William Reihn Mayes Jr. as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Benjamin Mayes and wife Elizibeth of Ft. Gibson OK, Theodore Mayes and wife Becky of Wagoner, OK, along with her granddaughter, Katherine Mayes of Wagoner, OK. Sisters Sue Guest and husband Glenn of Houston TX, Kaye English of Houston TX, Margie Batchelor and husband Robert of Missouri City TX, Debbie Marsh and husband Roger of Pearland TX, and brother Leslie Willis of Welling OK. She also leaves numerous friends and family as well as a loving church family.

Funeral services for Bluie Lee Willis-Mayes will be conducted on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 at 10:00 am at Calvary Faith Church in Ft. Gibson, OK, with Pastor Rocky Garrison officiating. Musical selections are being performed by Patrick Loving. She will be laid to rest in the Ross Cemetery in Park Hill, OK along with her family.

Pallbearers for Bluie include Benjamin Mayes, Theodore Mayes, Robert Batchelor, Glen Guest, Arlen Hamby, and Jim Hamby.

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