Sarah Louise Mayes

Sarah Howard Mayes was the first African American female Representative to The White House for the city of Cleveland Ohio consulting on Health and Nutrition for Welfare Recipients. Personally invited to speak at the White House by President Jimmy Carter, her down to earth wisdom, wit, and charm caught the attention of film and T.V. producers for a show titled "The Amazing Mrs. Mayes". Sarah opted out of this venture to continue her interests in helping welfare families on the State and national level.

Sarah Howard Mayes, born Sarah Louise Jackson, in Cleveland, Ohio, 1918, was the last surviving sibling of five (Tillie Fentress, Eva Williams, James 'Potts' Jackson, and Mary Jackson), born to James Jackson, laborer and Maddie Jackson, housewife. James and Maddie left Lithonia, Georgia, 'walking' to Ohio with 3 siblings in tow. After settling in Cleveland, Ohio, Sarah and her younger sister were born. When Sarah was approximately 5 years old, 'Papa' passed away suddenly and Sarah and her younger sister were placed in an orphanage in Cleveland. graduated Collingswood High School in Ohio, and became a licensed Cosmetologist. She then married and started a family. Sarah left her cosmetology practice as her family grew and became a full time home maker. She continued to raise her children, as keeping her family together was most important.

She returned to school, attending college in her mid-fifties and landed a job as a consultant, traveling nationwide, speaking on health and nutrition for poor communities. After relocating to Los Angeles, CA, Sarah became the Administrator for WLCAC (Watts Labor Community Action Center) under Ted Watkins for the City of Los Angeles. Sarah Howard Mayes is known and loved for her contribution as a Missionary, Bible Teacher, Mother of the Church, and a devout Christian. She is the mother of 6 children; Sharlene, James, Michael, Eva, Francine (Pattie), and Sederia (C.D.). Sarah had a lifelong dream of returning to Georgia where her 'people' were from.Although she was bed bound in her final years, she continued to let her light shine and touch many lives including her Dr.'s and caregivers.Her children are proud to leave her resting peacefully here in Georgia.

Sarah is survived by 4 of her 6 children, Michael/Thomasina (wife), Eva/*** (husband), Pattie and C.D./Michael (husband and Sarah’s God sent son); 11 grandchildren, Christina Green Pickens-Thomas/Juan Thomas (husband), Jeanene J. Howard, James Lee Howard/Veronica Howard (wife), Karolyn Kirkwood, Michael Rico Howard, Robert L. Brown Jr., Michael Jason Long Jr., Shekinah N. Durst, Airedes Teresa Bruce, Alisha Marie Brown, and Bryson A. May; 12 of 13 great grandchildren, Alexia Green, Donnie Pickens Jr., James Lee Howard Jr. (deceased), Shequea D. Howard, Julien R. Howard, Dametris Kirkwood, Demetrielle Kirkwood, Mikeze Howard, Mikeya Howard, Sanaya Howard, Kimora Howard, Jaleel Isaac Brown, and Maliyah Jade Long; and 1 great great grandchild, Jaevion Howard. Nieces and nephews, Willie Fentress, Lenard Fentress, Delores, Stella, Pamela Jackson and Juanita; and a host of relatives and friends.

Over her 97 year tenure, Sarah was actively involved with the following ministries:
New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Israelite Baptist Church, Mt. Hope Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church, Greater Bethany Apostolic Church, City of Refuge Pure Praises Ministries.

Services will be held 2pm, Friday, June 5, 2015 in the Chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12noon until the time of service. Interment will follow at Mozley Memorial Gardens.