Janet Elizabeth Mayo's Obituary
Janet Elizabeth Mayo, age 96, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2016. She was residing at C.C. Young Nursing Home in Dallas, Texas. Her daughter, Joan Mayo, lives close by, and devoted herself to Mom’s care for many years. As a lifelong educator in the Dallas Independent School District, Janet touched the lives of countless elementary students. She taught Mathematics as well as fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade self-contained classes at Letot, Bushman, and Foster Elementary Schools. Her teaching was joyful, creative, passionate, and thorough. Even after Janet retired, she hand-drew and artfully decorated hundreds of “good notes”, little works of art to reward Joan’s students and delight the grandchildren. Janet received her gift for teaching from her mother, Neuda A. Hurt Greeman, who taught music privately and publicly. Her father, Reuben A. Greeman, was part of a family tradition of furniture makers in Indiana, where Janet was born. Her sisters, Mrs. Neuda R. Whitehurst of Kerrville, TX and Mrs. Katherine A. Mitchell of San Marcos, TX, and their spouses, Curtis Mitchell and Elmore Whitehurst, predeceased her. The three sisters were inseparable, supporting one another unconditionally throughout their lives. They spoke daily, and shared family meals, celebrated occasions, and traveled together with spouses and children. Janet was the youngest of her extended family, growing up in a busy household of grandparents, aunts, uncles, mother, and sisters. As did her sisters, she graduated from Highland Park High School. Janet also attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she met and married then theology student, Herman F. Mayo. They shared a deep and abiding love. Janet was embraced by Herman’s mother, brothers, sisters, and their families in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has enjoyed visiting and fishing with them over the years. Herman, as a minister in the North Texas Conference of the Methodist Church, served pastorates at Floyd, Jacobia, Celeste, Van Alstyne, Grand Prairie and Oak Cliff, before passing away in 1959. Janet was his devoted companion, serving as pianist and church secretary. Together, they found lifelong friends everywhere they served. Many friends helped finish the cabin at Lake Whitney, and kept in touch. Janet kept countless photos and cards on her piano. She also kept the many puzzles and games she received as gifts. Creative and busy, Janet crafted objects with natural materials, knit beautiful sweaters, and crocheted afghans to give in return. Janet always loved to travel and camp with family and friends. She traveled across numerous states, from Virginia to the Canadian Rockies; from Montreal to Mexico City. She traveled to Spain and Portugal. At many locations, Janet collected a rock, a feather, or a piece of driftwood. Everywhere she visited, Janet delighted in the people, the natural beauty, the history, the adventure…and in finding a fudge shop. Her love of chocolate was legendary. Janet is survived by her son, John W. Mayo, his wife, sons and grandchildren; by her daughter, Carolyn R. Polodna, and her daughters; and by her daughter, Joan E. Mayo, and her son and daughter. She is also survived by her niece, Karen Evans, and nephew, Glenn Mitchell, and their families. Janet is survived by many Mayo relatives in Lake Charles, Louisiana and by Hurt relatives in Dallas. She leaves behind friends and former students. All will miss her, remembering the special way in which she entered their lives. For all of us, she made the world a better, smarter, larger, happier place. Service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:30 PM in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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