Charlene Lavetta Mayo

Charlene Lavetta Mayo, 77, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020. She was born on February 5, 1943 to Charlie Jackson and Francis (Wallace) Jackson. Charlene spent her early life in Little Rock, Arkansas and was the eldest of five children born to Charlie and Francis. She welcomed Christ into her life at the age of twelve when she was baptized at Steele’s Memorial Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. After the death of her mother in 1960, Charlene moved to Chicago at the age of seventeen. While in Chicago, her true nature as a matriarch was established as she assumed responsibility of her four younger siblings: Otis, Willie Francis, Celestine, and Wilma Faye. She helped to raise them while still finishing school herself. In Chicago she met and married Robert Coleman and the union was blessed with two children: Bobby Tremaine Coleman and Toni-Lakaya Michelle (Coleman) Peeples. Charlene moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1963 and began working at Senco in 1966; doing payroll until the company closed. She then worked at Ethicon Endo-Surgery until she retired in 1999. During this time, she met her true love, and was wedded to Frank Mayo on August 4, 1973. The two were married until Frank was called home on November 17, 2011. A woman of faith from an early age, Charlene joined Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1973 and served in several roles. A true leader, there was no task that she wouldn’t undertake in her faithful service, including serving as president of the usher board, to being the chairwoman of the pastors anniversary for several years. Her diligence as a member extended far beyond her duties as a church servant, as she was personally involved in the lives of many of the members, all of whom will attest to her culinary expertise and her unwavering support as she took on the troubles of anyone who needed a shoulder to cry on. As the family matriarch, Charlene was truly the glue of her family. Not even when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, did she stop caring for her family and her church. Throughout the chemotherapy and doctor's appointments, her faith and spirit remained steadfast. In 2000 she was pronounced cancer free and was a 19 year survivor. Charlene thoroughly enjoyed life and with her husband and close friends, was quite the world traveler. Any opportunity to travel and partake in new experiences was seized and fully enjoyed. She raised three generations and was an extremely influential part of all of their lives; as well as the lives of several of her adoptive nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Charlene leaves to enjoy her legacy: her sister, Wilma Faye (Jackson) Randall; two loving children, Bobby T. Coleman (Sherry) and Toni Lakaya M. Peeples of Cincinnati, Ohio; three grandchildren, Kaylan Eppes (Marcus) of Atlanta, Georgia, Earl Peeples II and Topaz Peeples of Cincinnati, Ohio; four great-grandchildren, Marcus Eppes, Jr., Myrin Eppes, Maya Eppes, and Jayceon Pegg; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Mayo; brothers, Otis and Willie Francis; and sister, Celestine. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at James Temple Annex, 1119 Lincoln Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206. Interment: Vine Street Hill Cemetery. NOTE: Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Ohio Governor and our city officials have set guidelines and procedures to follow during public gatherings of funeral services. These restrictions have been arranged with the family. Please allow the family to have their private time during the services being held at 12:00 p.m. A larger gathering may be held at a future date (to be announced) at the discretion of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.