Louis Oneil Mayo

Louis O’Neil Mayo was born October 4th, 1954, in Arlington, Virginia to the late Robert Lee Mayo Senior and Charity (Candy) Powell Johnson. He departed this life on September 6th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. Louis grew up in a tight-knit community in South Arlington called Green Valley. From a young age, Louis displayed a passion for the arts and athleticism, attending Drew elementary school, Thomas Jefferson Junior High school, Wakefield High School. Louis excelled in both academics and athletics, participating in football, wrestling, and track. By the time he reached high school at Wakefield, Louis had already made a name for himself, becoming a standout athlete, earning accolades as Arlington County co-champions in football and County champions in track and field. Graduating in 1973 from Wakefield High school, Louis achieved further success in athletics, breaking school records and receiving recognition as Northern Virginia’s best shot-putter of 1973. His athletic prowess led him to Bowie State University, where he pursued a degree in fine arts. During his time at Bowie State, Louis was recognized for his contributions to the football team, earning him induction into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2017. In 1977, Louis met his loving sweetheart Bonita Holmes at a Holly Farms Chicken one night whom he married sharing a life of love and faith in 1978 and been together ever since. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters and supported each other in their spiritual journeys. Louis was a devoted worker at the Navy Annex for many years as a Supervisor, later leading him to the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 30 years, retiring in 2013. A person of deep faith, Louis was active in his church community throughout life, serving as a deacon and contributing to many ministries, including outreach, choir, Vice-President of the Usher Board and evangelistic food pantry services. Louis was preceded in death by his brothers, Larry and Douglas Mayo; and his sister, Lorraine Carter. Louis leaves behind many lives that have been touched by his love and compassion including his lovely, devoted wife, Bonita Mayo; his daughters, Crystal Locke (Lawrence), and Tamara Grimes (Atiba); his 7 grandchildren, Atira Rodriguez (Jose), Mya Mckenna, Lawrence Locke II (LJ), Tamia Grimes, Noah Locke, Ein Locke, and Kyro Locke; and his great-grand, Ryan Rodriguez. He will also be greatly missed by his brothers, Robert Lee Mayo Jr. (Joyce), Rickey Mayo (Chanie), Thomas Mayo (Vanessa), and Terry Mayo (Annitte); his sister, Phyliss Mayo; his godson, Emmanuel Hart; his honorable daughter’s, Yvonne Davis and Crystal Lloyd; his honorable son, Nathaniel Turner and a host of Nieces, Nephews, relatives and friends. A visitation for Louis will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hope Aglow Empowerment Church, 125 Olde Greenwich Dr Suite 120, Fredericksburg, VA, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.