Mr. John Mays Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mr. John E. Mays affectionately known as ‘Peepsie” the twelfth of twelve children was born on October 23, 1948 to the union of Walter Mays Sr. and Maves Warren Mays, both of whom preceded him in death. Seven brothers: Walter Jr, Curtis, Amos, James, Earnest, Otis, Artis; four sisters, Helen, Margaret, Doris, Bernice; One son, Timothy Collins, one daughter, Janice Harris and one grandson, Brian Bruce Jr, all preceded him in death. John “Peepsie” confessed a faith in Christ and was baptized at an early age. He received and completed his education in the Yazoo City Mississippi school system. After graduating High School in 1966, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. In 1988 John “Peepsie” was united in Holy matrimony to Denease (Pat) Collins whom he loved dearly. After years of Chicago (chi- town) city life then returning to Yazoo City hometown, the lovebirds relocated to Peoria, Illinois and in 2020 they settled in Pontiac, Illinois. Remembering and holding fast to his Christian upbringing, John “Peepsie” united with the Resurrection Power Church under the leadership of Bishop Odell Dye II, where he served on the Deacons Board. He was currently a member and served as Deacon at the Rock of Salvation Church where his wife Denease Mays is the Founder and Pastor. John “Peepsie” had a gentle soul. He was loving, kind, soft spoken, and had a great sense of laughter. Although in recent months as his health begin to fail, he continued to exemplify those characteristics while being steadfast, unmovable, abounding in the work of the Lord. On Monday, the morning of May 3, 2021 God sent his angels to take his child’s hand and lead him home. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife Minister Denease Mays; Three sons: John E Mays Jr, Keith Mays both of Milwaukee, WI, Albert (Kesha) Collins, Edward Collins; Two daughters: Alice (Steven) Thompson and Marisha (Aubra) Hall; Forty Grandchildren, a remarkably close friend, Charles (Bone)Knight, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Celebration of Service will be held Friday, May 28, 2021 at Resurrection Power Church at 12:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Odell Dye II will officiate. Due to COVID-19 Mandates and families request mask and social distancing are required. John will be laid to rest at Historical Springdale Cemetery.

Mr. John Mays

October 23, 1948 - May 3, 2021