Jenetta Mayes' Obituary
Jenetta Mayes, age 85, of DeSoto, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025. Jenetta was born on April 23, 1940, in Gunter, Texas to parents John Flavors McLane, Jr. and Ella Ray Gentry. She married Kennie H. Mayes, Jr. on May 17, 1961, in Carter County, Oklahoma. Jenetta lived a life rooted in love, hard work, and service to others.
A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she will be remembered for her unwavering faith, boundless love, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. She found joy in the simple things-spending time with her family, preparing home-cooked meals from the heart, sewing with care and creativity, and reading her Bible daily. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived each day with grace and purpose.
She was the heart of her family, always ready with a warm meal, a comforting word, or a quiet prayer. Her strength, kindness, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.
Jenetta was preceded in death by parents John Flavors McLane, Jr. and Ella Ray Gentry; ex-husband Kennie H. Mayes, Jr.; and siblings John Paul McLane, Elouise Woods, and Alfred McLane.
Jenetta is survived by children Bruce (Sterling) Mayes, Kathryn Mayes, Michael (Patricia), Mayes, and Terence Mayes; siblings Charles Henry (Francis) McLane, Doris Jennings, Billy Glen (Maggie) McLane; grandchildren Jennifer Mayes, Alexandria Mayes, and Kaleb Mayes; and a host of cherished extended family members, friends, and those who knew her as a mother figure and who will carry her memory forward.
Her legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to live in our hearts.
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