Dorothy Mary Louise Mayes lovingly referred to as "Cookie" by most and "Honey" by her grandchildren, was born October 5th, 1950 to Robert Hubert Mayes and Annie Mae (Franklin) Mayes. She was one of 10 children, and leaves to mourn two sisters: Sarah Mayes Harper and Michelle Mayes and two brothers Robert Lee Mayes and Mitchell Mayes. The siblings that precede her in death are Julius Mayes, Bertha Mae Mayes Edwards, Lucille Mayes Brown, Marlene Mayes Cook, Ana Lois Mayes Smith. She graduated High School from Taft High school in 1969 and went to South Western College to pursue stenography. When Derrick was born and began school, her focused shifted and motivated her to pursue it as a career. She wanted to serve and teach other children. She had a special interest in Early Childhood Development and children with Special Needs. She worked for Cincinnati Public Schools for 25 years and loved molding the minds of children. She was a strong believer that "it takes a village to raise a child", and was definitely reflected in her teaching. As a result, everyone loved Ms. Mayes, other educators, parents and students knew she was dependable, fair and most of all loving. She developed relationships with them that lasted long after she retired. She is survived by her two children: Derrick (Nicole nee Thomas) Mayes and Nicole (Ronald) Mayes Boyd. She was ALWAYS supportive of children. She made sure they knew they were loved. As a single mother, it was difficult sometimes but she always made it look effortless. She may not have responded the way they wanted her to at times but she always supported Derrick & Nicole and wanted to them to be happy. They needed for nothing. She was proud of all their accomplishments and the things they were able to overcome. She taught them hardwork, perseverance, being true to yourself and family were important parts of life. She loved and adored her 5 grandchildren Ariel Alexander, Jayla Mayes, Darria Mayes, Jayden Boyd and Emerson Boyd and her great grandsons Amarii and Arrion (who also preceded her in death). She was the grandmother of all grandmothers and could often be found teaching them their alphabet, teaching them to tie their shoes, or reading to them or letting them read to her. When not enjoying her grandchildren, she loved working in her crossword books and talking on the phone with her friends and family. She loved her family and it was easy to see and would offer a helping hand to them whether they asked or not. She was the glue that kept the family together and was the first one to remember to call you on your birthday, send a card, or notify you of a "school closing", even long after she retired. She was a gentle and caring soul to all that knew her and always had something kind to say. I remember asking her, "Why do you always speak to strangers?' and the lesson she taught me was, it's cost nothing to smile and say hello". Gentle, pleasant and approachable that who she was and loved by everyone. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Friday, May 6, 2016, at the Walker - Mt. Healthy Chapel , 7272 Hamilton Avenue , Cincinnati (45231). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow Vine Street Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. To share a memory of Dorothy or leave a special message for the Mayes family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Mayes family.

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