Verna Marie Mayo, 71, of Ashkum passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at her home. She was born on October 11, 1951 in Metropolis, IL, the daughter of Alfred and Anna Mae (Moore) Wrye. She married Raymond Mayo in Clifton on January 2, 1971.
Surviving are her daughter, Carrie (Joe) Bertrand of Bourbonnais; her son, Kevin Mayo of Ashkum; grandchildren, Brady (Olivia Lorenc) Bertrand of Bourbonnais, Bailey Mayo of Las Vegas, NV, Brook Mayo of Las Vegas, NV, Bridget Bertrand of Bourbonnais, Bella Mayo of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Barb Robinson of Bourbonnais and Sharon (Tom) Martin of Kankakee; and brothers, Alan Wrye of Kevil, KY and Don (Rose) Wrye of Bradley; special cousin, Dale (Marilyn) Dassing of Metropolis; sister in law, Faye Wrye of Metropolis, IL; aunt, Rebecca Graham of Clifton; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Mayo was preceded in passing by her parents; two brothers, Larry and Ron; sister in law, Debbie Wrye; and brother in law, Larry Robinson.
Verna was a graduate of Central High School Class of ’69. She was a member of Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. She worked at Riverside Medical Center for 36 years. Verna was a huge part of the Emergency room family and over the years her coworkers became lifelong friends. There were good days, long days and bad days but they were always filled with comradery and laughter. Verna even won the best sense of humor award in her office for 2 consecutive years.
Verna was an amazing sister, cousin, Aunt, godmother, NaNa, mother, and friend who loved her family fiercely. Her two children were always her priority and her love for them was like no other. She spent most of her free time being the biggest fan for her grandchildren. She was at every game cheering them on in football, baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, dance and soccer. Verna loved to read and watch old TV shows, particularly Andy Griffith and anything starring John Wayne or Elvis. She was an avid royal watcher and was excited for any news related to their social outings. Verna was famous in her family for her love of naps, the way she shuffled at her own speed, her nickname “Jones” and her never ending belief in their Cherokee heritage. She looked great in any Irish hat that she wore and was rarely without a Diet 7-up, even though she secretly enjoyed a Dr. Pepper now and then. Verna loved to travel and was always excited for the next trip with family. She was not an animal lover until her Grand dogs, Louise and Bryant won her over. She adored the holidays, spending time catching up and laughing with family. Her laugh was one of a kind and if you heard it, you knew it was her. She was a fabulous chat companion and was happy to talk for hours with family or friends on random conversations about life.
Verna had an unwavering faith in God. She was recently initiated into the catholic faith and shared the importance of this spiritual journey with loved ones often. Verna was very proud to be catholic and notably called it life-changing. Her smile, laugh, gentle hugs, and her sweet-sweet heart will forever be missed and never forgotten.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and one hour prior to the funeral mass on Wednesday at church.
Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. Fr. Moises Mesh will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
