Honoring a well lived Life

The sun rose on our beloved Crystal Laverne Mayes in New York, NY on Tuesday, November 30, 1976, and set in Greenwood, SC on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. A beacon of joy, love, and unwavering strength Crystal was born to Eddie Lee Mayes Jr. and Arma Jean Jones Mayes. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of everyone she encountered with her kindness and generosity. Today, we gather to celebrate her beautiful journey and the impact she had on those around her.

Crystal grew up in Bronx, New York surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Her childhood was filled with laughter, adventures, and a deep-rooted sense of family and community. From an early age, she demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with people, always finding ways to bring joy and comfort to those in need.

Crystal pursued her education with dedication and completed her education at Bronx Regional High School. Her career path of Cosmetology reflected her God-given talent, as she devoted herself to honing her skills. Crystal was also a Personal Care Assistant further demonstrating her love and compassion.

Crystal relocated to Greenwood, found her spiritual home at Dunham Temple CME Church and served as a Missionary. Crystal had a multitude of passions and hobbies that enriched her life and the lives of those she cared about. She took pride in creating intricate and beautiful hairstyles for her daughter, nieces, and clients. She found joy in baking and creating outfits for Dominique's character days at school. Each activity was a testament to her creative spirit. Her enthusiasm was infectious, inspiring others to pursue their own interests with the same vigor.

Crystal was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her brothers Eddie Lenard and Michael Anthony, and her special friend Larry "Chest" Johnson. Crystal's family was her anchor, providing her with a foundation of love and support that she cherished deeply. She was a devoted mother to her beautiful daughter, Dominique Nicole Mayes-Johnson, and she was the youngest of her siblings: Kenneth (Carolyn) Greene, Terry D. Pride, Faith M. Greene, Celeste C. Peterson all of Greenwood, SC,  Minister Alfinie J. Mayes of Norristown, PA and Sophia V. Mayes of Atlanta, GA. Crystal was loved by her aunt and God-mother, Mrs. Emma L. Kabba of Norristown, PA, Uncle Minister Bobby L. Mayes of New York, NY, great-Aunt Janie P. Fisher and great Uncle William (Bertha) Jones both of Greenwood, SC.  Crystal was the best Auntie to her nieces Shakirrah M. Gumbs, Sha'Asia Mayes Mayfield, Ariel Mayes Smith, Cornshia C. Moss, Ulaysha P. Coleman, Audrianna C. Martin, Jy'Kira M. Coleman, Danielle N. Griffin, Detriel L. Griffin, Michelle Jones, Stacey Greene, Myskevia M. McFadden and nephew Brandon Moss. She was also close to her God-sisters Celeste (Anthony) Jordan, Kim (James) Lee, Runa Pressley Jenkins, and God-brother David Rivers. Her love knew no boundaries as she doted on her special cousins Erica (Wayne) Fielder, Ashley (Gilberto) Chambers, Jalil Jordan, Sidney Joyner, Simeon Joyner, Wynton Jordan, Darrell Lee, Foday Kabba, Skye Wells and special cousins Janice Fisher and Latonia Fisher. Crystal enjoyed a lifelong friendship with her best friend Tricia (David) Rivers. Her godchildren: Jewel Rivers, Quran Reynolds, Trayvon Rivers, Lashunda Smith-Aiken, Keveon Aiken, Sharlie Aiken, Nigel Aiken and Normani Aiken were a source of immense pride. Crystal will forever be missed by a host of great-nieces and great nephews, cousins, family and friends that became family.

Crystal leaves behind a legacy filled with love, compassion, and resilience. She was a shining example of what it means to live life to the fullest, embracing each moment with grace and positivity. Her impact on the lives of her family, friends, and community will be felt for years to come.

As we celebrate the life of Crystal Laverne Mayes, we remember her not with sorrow, but with gratitude and jubilee for the beautiful memories and lasting impressions she leaves with us. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us, reminding us of the power of love and kindness.

In honoring Crystal's journey, we reaffirm our commitment to live in a way that reflects the values she held dear. May her legacy continue to light our paths, and may we find comfort in the love she shared with us all.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 1-6 P.M at the Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life for Crystal Laverne Mayes will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Mount Olive Baptist Church 501 Mount Olive Road in Saluda, South Carolina with the Reverend James E. McKee, Sr., Officiating. Assisting will be Reverend Jacqueline Perrin and Elder Christopher Thomas. The body will be placed in the church at 10:00 A.M.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Jordan, Keith Jones, Jalil Jordon, Wynton Jordan, Foday Kabba, Nephews, Cousins and Friends of the Family. Flower Bearers will be Kekey Allen, Vanessa Hill, Andrea Hill, Nieces, Cousins and Friends of the family.

The family is at the home, 230 North Hospital Street.

Parks Funeral Home is assisting the Mayes Family.