Velma Mayo

Velma Elmore Mayo, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by the children she loved so dearly. 

Born on December 27, 1940, in Mayo, Florida, Velma spent her life devoted to family, resilience, and caring for others. She was raised in a small rural community alongside many brothers and sisters and her parents Henry & Lena Elmore, all of whom preceded her in death and whom she has now joined in heaven. 

Velma was also preceded in death by her husband, Bill Mayo, and her oldest daughter, Velda. 

She leaves behind five children: Steve Fillyaw (DeAnna), Cynthia Riggs, Richard Fillyaw (Carmen), Tina Lay (Joe), and Billy Mayo (Jennifer). She was a proud and loving Grammy to eight grandsons, Derek, Ty, Bubba, Rusty, Christopher, Andrew, Landon, and Anderson, and one granddaughter, Winter. She also leaves behind many great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom she loved deeply. 

Those who knew Velma will remember a woman with a tender heart and deep compassion for others. Life was not always easy, but she faced challenges with determination, grit, and a strength that carried her through difficult times. She could be stubborn and headstrong, but those qualities were part of the resilience that defined her character. 

Velma found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading, embroidery, and classic country music.  She also never met a sweet treat she didn’t enjoy and rarely passed up an opportunity to laugh and make jokes even during her last days.  

Above all else, Velma loved her family. She gave the best of herself to those she loved and leaves behind a legacy of devotion, perseverance, and unconditional love.

The family is grateful that her final moments were peaceful, surrounded by the people who loved her most. 

A celebration of Velma’s life will be held later for family and close friends with details to be announced.  The family is requesting in lieu of flowers; memorial donations be made in her name to Community Hospice & Palliative Care as they provided the utmost care and dignity our mother deserved.  https://thefoundationcares.org/give/

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Mayo family.