Lee Vester Mays, 72, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, worshipped his way to his heavenly home on February 20, 2022, at 11:44 p.m. surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, niece, and nephews.
He was born on October 25, 1949, in Holcomb, Mississippi, to his parents Vester Lee Hood and Alice T. Mays. He was later adopted by Lloyd (Speedy) Mays. Lee is survived by his wife, Beverly Mays, his children, Terrance Lafayette (Amanda) Mays, DeVon Laron Mays, Sheekari Lee (Shatarra) Mays, Talia Lanae (Nick) Wheeler, and Ukierra Labarb (Larry) Shealey, his 15 grandchildren, his 14 siblings, and Tiffany Rudd, Troy Hughes, and Nikitia Hughes, whom he respectfully and honorably raised at the request of his mother-in-law prior to her death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kelmarrcuss J. Farmer, his sisters, Brenda Hood-Fields, Patricia Hood, and Shakeeyla Hood, and his brothers, Frankie McCullough, Thomas McCullough, Lloydell Mays, and Gary and Larry Eggelaston.
Lee graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1968, where he participated in football, track, and baseball. He was inducted into the MVTHS Hall of Fame in 2011. After graduating high school, he attended Riverside Community College in Riverside, California. Following his educational career, he joined the Army. Upon returning home, his mother prophesied that he would marry his high school sweetheart, Beverly Moore. Lee was known for his love of sports, but throughout the years he gained a knowledge and a true love for golf. His daily life included waking up at 5:00 a.m. to spend time with the Lord, reading his Bible, drinking coffee, watching Westerns, playing Bid Wiz (to some he was known as the “Wiz Kid”), Spades, Dominoes, Pluck, and ordering anything and everything from infomercials that specifically said, “The Best”. All who played card games with him knew that he played hard cards. Just ask his aunt Amie Sue, cousin Barbara, and his son Sheekari. Those who played dominoes with him knew you better know how to count, just ask Bump (Michael). He was the teacher, and those who played with him were his students. Everyone thought he was a cheater because he was just that good, but deep down we all knew him to be a winner! What a legacy and what a life Lee lived! How beautiful it is to know that even in his pain he said that he was going to choose faith over worry! His life reflected the image of God because of the seed that was planted by his mother, Alice T. Mays. He had a will to win. He was strong, fearless, bold, meek, loving, full of grace, competitive, and the creator of a beautiful and unmovable foundation for his family. Just ask his favorite child, DeVon. Lee Vester Mays will be deeply missed by so many. His legacy will continue through his children and their children and their children.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Sugar Camp Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at12:00 pm with Elder Allen E Rudd Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
