It was the last Monday of the month of May, on the 29th day at 7:15am that Arlene became absent from her body to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).

Arlene Margaret Hayden-Mayo, affectionately known as Mema or Twin, was born on February 17, 1938, in Aurora, IL to the Late George Clyde and Camilla (Smith) Hayden. Around 1969 she met and married the Late Dr. Benjamin Mayo, Jr. She was blessed to inherit Ben’s two adoring children: Daughter, Robin Mayo-White (Robert) of Westerville, OH and Son, Mark Mayo (Lyndia) of Columbus, OH. Added to this union were two more children: Daughter, Dr. Staci Mayo-Holmes (Greg) of Los Angeles, CA and Son, Darrell Mayo (Akisha) of Villa Rica, GA. Arlene lived in Inglewood, CA and she loved being close to some of her favorite places: Disneyland; Staci’s house to play with Tanner (the dog) and her grandkids; Las Vegas for her annual Keep In Touch (KIT) birthday trip; and her church, Second A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles.

Arlene grew up in Aurora, IL with her identical twin sister, Marlene, and 9 other siblings. She and Marlene did almost everything together. They attended East Aurora schools where Arlene was an honor student. The Twins were active in music. Arlene played the violin and sang in the Girls Glee Club. The Twins often sang and played piano duets in churches in Aurora. Arlene made the choice to become a registered nurse so that she could help others. She pursued becoming an RN at Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, IL. Later she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from the University of San Francisco in California.

Arlene was a gentle, kind, God-fearing, and loving woman who touched the lives of many. Arlene accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Main Street Baptist Church in Aurora, IL by the Late Rev. Joseph Griffin. In Los Angeles, Arlene was a devoted member of Brookins Community A.M.E. Church for over 15 years. Later she and her husband moved their membership to Second A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, where she found great strength and comfort in her faith. Arlene was an active member of the Women's Missionary Society (WMS) and was inducted into the Cleo B. Love Hall of Recognition for having served more than 25 years in the WMS. She dedicated her time and energy to helping others. Whether she was feeding the unhoused with the WMS; caring for children while their parents worked or went to school; cheering at sporting events and performances for her grandchildren; or tagging along on adventures with her daughter and daughters-in-Christ, she was always caring and willing to support in whichever way she could. Arlene also loved supporting various charitable causes. In fact, she cared deeply about every cause that asked her for a donation, and she has the calendars, notepads, return address labels, reusable bags, letter openers, and all the other tokens of appreciation to show for those donations!

Arlene dedicated more than 43 years of her life to helping others as a registered nurse. She spent the greater part of her nursing career serving people with special needs at the South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC). At SCLARC Arlene was pivotal in spearheading many projects and developing early intervention programs for children with special needs. Even after retiring from SCLARC, Arlene continued to work as a nursing consultant with SCLARC.

Arlene enjoyed spending time with her twin and her grandkids, whether it was watching Dancing with the Stars, playing Skip-Bo, or simply being together. She loved reading the Bible; listening to hymns, especially Blessed Assurance; going to Disneyland; going to craft fairs; and meeting each year with her KIT sisters to celebrate her birthday. She found joy in watching her favorite TV shows - The Bachelor Franchise and Dancing with the Stars - and discussing them with her grandchildren. Among her favorite things were salmon croquettes, ginger ale, Garrett Popcorn, and the soft lime green color. Arlene's favorite local spot was her church, where she found solace and inspiration. The best lesson she had to share was to "do everything with God's love," which she embodied with grace and humility.

Arlene’s legacy is one of kindness, hospitality, gentleness, and love. Arlene loved unconditionally, and her loving spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves to celebrate her life and carry-on her legacy four children; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three siblings: Marlene May (Larry), El Paso, TX; Patricia McGee (Clay – deceased), Milwaukee, WI; and Richard Hayden (Pearl), Aurora, IL; a host of nieces and nephews; and all of you who loved her.

Arlene is predeceased by her parents, George Clyde and Camilla Hayden; husband, Dr. Benjamin Mayo, Jr.; four sisters: Betty Riles, Cordelle Carter, Helen Hudson, and Camille Smith; and three brothers: Herbert Hayden, Thomas Hayden, and Clifford Hayden.

We will cherish the memories and celebrate the life of Arlene Mayo, whose gentle presence brought light and warmth to all who knew her. Rest in peace, dear Arlene.

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