Ella Jane Beaver Mays, 89, was born Sunday, August 9, 1936, in Miami, Florida to the late Clarence Cole Patten and Frances Adaline Rockwell Patten. She passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026. Ella Jane lived for a number of years in Taylorsville, North Carolina before moving to Conover, where she was a member of Hickory Church of Christ and later resided in the Cedar Glen Community.
Early in life, Ella Jane was raised by foster parents in San Antonio. In Texas, she learned Spanish and this served her in one of her first jobs as an overseas phone operator in which she once spoke to President Kennedy. Her childhood shaped her outlook as a deeply caring person who had a lifelong commitment to an ethic of service to the vulnerable and less fortunate. For over thirty years she took great care of home-bound elderly patients and rescued many cats and dogs. She was happiest when spending time outdoors with her husband, children, and animals.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Russell Joe Mays; brothers, Sam Patten and Pat Patten.
Ella Jane is survived by her daughter, Janice Cheryl Beaver and son, James Lewis Beaver.
Receiving of friends will be held at 11:30 am prior to the service.
A funeral service will be held at Drum Funeral Home Chapel at 12 pm on Thursday, August 6, 2026 with Debbie Watterson officiating.
Burial will follow the service at Eastview Cemetery in Newton, NC.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Catawba Humane Society.
Condolences may be left at www.drumfh-conover.com
The Mays Family is under the care of Drum Funeral Home.
