Mr. Wilbur Lewis Mayes was born on July 22, 1939 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Willie James Mayes, I and Sarah Ann McElroy Mayes. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, four brothers, Willie, Leroy, Eugene and Vernell, two sisters, Beatrice Mayes and Helen Gilmore and 1 daughter, Juanita Yvette Mayes.
Wilbur was a lifelong resident of the area, growing up and attending school in District #189. Coming from a God fearing home, he confessed a hope in Christ at an early age.

Wilbur married his first wife, Jimmie Lee Prince in 1963. In 1977, he married his soulmate for life in the person of Ruth Mae Anderson. He united with Market Avenue Church of God in 1990. He became active with the Male Chorus and loved to sing with the group. During his working years, Wilbur found employment with McDonnell-Douglas. He retired after 33 years.

Wilbur loved to talk. He also loved playing cards; playing in fun for bragging rights. When things were going his way, he could be heard to say "WHAT'S MY NAME????" He loved his family and coming together for family events. After he retired, Wilbur found plenty of time to pursue another passion which was travelling. He has travelled extensively throughout the United States and outside of it's borders. He loved going to the Caribbean Islands, where he would engage in deep sea fishing.

On Tuesday afternoon, February 21, 2017 at 3:00pm, Wilbur Lewis Mayes made his transition from this earthly home to his eternal home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ruth Mae Mayes; sons, Wilbur, Jr and Mario Mayes; daughter, Lisa Mayes; stepdaughter, Mildred Anderson; three brothers, Sherman (Irene) Mayes, Larry Mayes and Joseph Mayes; one sister, Phyllis Mayes; one aunt, Ethel Lee Warren; one brother-in-law, Henry (Jenice) Anderson; one sister-in-law, Gertrude Dunlap; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and special friends, Dewey Shields and Ray Yancy.