Manuel Julius Mayo Jr.

MANUEL J. MAYO, JR., aged 91, passed away at 5:19 am on January 16th from Parkinson's and CHF.  He was born December 9, 1926 to Manuel J., Sr. and Ruth (Oldiges) Mayo in Queens, New York. 

Manuel found his passion in artwork.  His art career started by drawing backgrounds for the Steve Roper comic strip in the 1950s.  He thoroughly enjoyed his profession as longtime Art Director for Kaiser Jeep until it was bought out by Chrysler in 1976.  Thereafter, he went on as a successful commercial artist for various art studios, advertising agencies and doing freelance work.  In 1985, he was highlighted in Toledo Magazine as one of the top commercial artists to watch.  

He married Vivian Marie Meyers in 1950.  In 1959, he and Vivian found satisfaction in finally having deep life questions answered scripturally when they were contacted by Jehovah's Witnesses in their door-to-door ministry.  Both Manuel and Vivian chose to become baptized and dedicated their lives to following our Heavenly Father Jehovah's divine guidance in 1960.  Manuel progressed spiritually and became a volunteer minister and elder, helping to shepherd his family and the congregation that he attended at North Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses on Alexis Rd.  Among many responsibilities, he gave numerous hour long Bible lectures complete with original artwork displays and slide presentations at various congregations and regional assemblies. 

Manuel was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian, in 2005 and only brother, Nelson, in 2016.  He is survived by his three daughters, Linda (O'Neil) Tate, Pamela (Charles) Winegardener, Claudia (Robert) Nesbit.  He leaves nine grandchildren, a great grandson, six beloved nieces and nephews of the Ormiston Family, niece and two nephews of the Mayo Family, and a host of spiritual brothers and sisters who genuinely cared deeply for him over the years. 

A memorial service will be held on January 27th at 2 pm.  Location is the North Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses at 3725 W. Alexis Rd.  All are welcome! 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to sustain the JW worldwide ministry work through JW.org or to Hospice of Lenawee in Adrian, Michigan.