Ann Fumbanks Mayo
Ann Fumbanks Mayo passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. She was a faithful Christian, loving mother, wife and grandmother. Those who knew her and were lucky enough to call her Mom, Annie or friend were lucky indeed!
Ann made and provided a wonderful, welcome, comfortable home for her husband and children. Her home was one of laughter and music, conversation and really good food, and, above all, much love! Lambuth students and faculty were welcomed monthly for the student LIT group, and English majors and faculty came every Christmas for an Open House with a delicious buffet spread – crabbies and broccoli & cheese dip were favorites (Charles and Ann’s children would come after to clean out the leftovers!). Never was a caterer used for Lambuth gatherings, Dinner Club evenings with laughter and friends, or any family gatherings. Ann prepared it all beautifully and was a warm and friendly hostess. The house was decorated for each holiday, and the grandchildren LOVED the unique, funny gifts in their stockings every Christmas Eve after church. Yearly, the Thanksgiving table included someone or several who had no one with whom to celebrate the holiday. Ann was an active and involved band parent, too, frying fair food yearly for the Tigrett or JCM band stand at the Jackson fair. Even though she could barely hem a pair of pants, Ann helped the dancers at every Ballet Arts production when her daughter danced. She was the loudest voice, too, at her sons’ church league basketball games (just ask Ben)! In short, she was a mom, a wife, and a friend, who welcomed all to her table – like so many others, but not. Anyone who knew Ann has a story to tell that always includes the way she made them feel – welcomed, nurtured, heard.
Ann was born on July 16, 1940, and was raised in McKenzie, Tennessee, the daughter of Guy and Virginia Fumbanks. She was a loving daughter to wonderful parents and enjoyed cheering and playing the drums in the marching band. After graduating from McKenzie High School, Ann attended Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College). While in college, Ann was a member & Vice President of Tri Delta Sorority, treasurer of the Student Council, Miss Southwestern at Memphis, Kappa Alpha Fraternity Rose and named a Lynx yearbook Beauty each year. After graduating with a degree in education, Ann taught elementary school in Memphis at Maury Elementary School. While home for a visit, Ann met Charles W. Mayo and the two fell in love and married within six months.
Ann and her husband lived in Nashville and Milan while starting their family and Charles furthered his education. They moved to Jackson in 1968 when Charles began his teaching career at Lambuth. Ann taught at Lambuth Memorial Playschool and First Presbyterian Church preschool when her children were young.
Ann and Charles joined First Presbyterian Church when they moved to Jackson. Charles taught Sunday School for decades, and Ann was on the front row of every class. She served as a Deacon and an Elder on the Session, and she took part in and enjoyed the Women of the Church and Circle groups.
A very important part of Ann’s life was PEO – Philanthropic Education Organization, a sisterhood that helps women advance through education. Ann was a member of Chapter Y in Jackson and served as President. Her sisters in PEO were her dearest friends!
After their children had all entered college, Ann began a career as the Public Guardian for the Elderly for the Southwest TN Development District & the Southwest TN Area on Aging & Disability. She served as the Conservator for Southwest TN for over twenty years until her retirement. During her tenure, she spoke at national conferences and received the Liberty Bell Award from Judge Christy R. Little at Law Day in Jackson.
Ann Mayo was preceded in death by her true love and husband, Dr. Charles W. Mayo; her beloved son, Clay; and her parents, Guy & Virginia Fumbanks.
She is survived by her son, Ben Mayo (Dawn); daughter, Ginny Brimm (Tom); her grandchildren: Brooks (Lydia) and Banks Mayo (Clay); Dylan, Drew and Trey Mayo (Ben); and Charlie & Stella Crenshaw (Ginny); and her great-grandson, Dean Clayton (Brooks).
A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, TN on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will immediately follow the service in the church’s Memorial Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to First Presbyterian Church, the G.G. Bray Scholarship Memorial Fund at P.E.O., Chapter Y, or the Dr. Charles W. Mayo Endowment Scholarship at the University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus in Jackson.
Service arrangements will be provided by George A. Smith & Sons, First Presbyterian Church and the Women of the Church.
