Irene (Mason) Mayes

Irene Mason Mayes, 84, of Statesville, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 13, 2015 in Wilmington NC.  Born May 3, 1931 in Iredell County, she was the daughter of the late Hunter and Gladys Mason. Irene attended Statesville Schools and worked at J.C. Penny Department Store for over 25 years.  She was a very active member of New Salem United Methodist Church where she taught the young children’s Sunday school class for most of her adult life.  She also served on the Worship Committee and prepared the bread for the Communion Service each month.  She was a member of the Wild Goose Patchwork Club which met each week, member of the Oakdale Women’s Club; and was very supportive of her granddaughter Carrie’s class which is the Compass Special Population Class of Caldwell Community College.  She was also very supportive of the military. She is survived by two daughters, Elaine Mayes Blackburn and husband Bert of Lenoir, NC and Nancy Mayes Lappie and husband John of Alum Bridge, West Virginia; three grandsons, Christopher Mayes, Gil Blackburn  and John Lappie III; and two granddaughters, Carrie and Jessica Blackburn.  She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Evelyn Redfern Capel along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be 3:00 PM Saturday, May 16, 2015 at New Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. David Gay and Sharon Hammond officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Pallbearers will include men of the church.  The family will receive friends prior to the service in the church fellowship hall from 1:30 until 3:00 PM. Memorials may be made to New Salem United Methodist Church, 155 New Salem Road, Statesville, NC 28625.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home.