Arlene Margaret Hayden-Mayo, affectionately known as Mema or Twin, passed May 29, becoming absent from her body to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
The viewing will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm at Spalding Mortuary, 3045 South La Brea in Los Angeles. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, June 15, at 10 a.m., at Second A.M.E. Church, 5500 S. Hoover St., in Los Angeles.
Arlene 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, 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 nine other siblings. She and Marlene did almost everything together. 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 University of San Francisco in California. Arlene dedicated more than 43 years of her life to helping others as a registered nurse.
Arlene was a gentle, kind, God-fearing, and loving woman. She accepted Christ at an early age in Aurora. 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.
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.
Arlene’s legacy is one of kindness, hospitality, gentleness, and love. 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.
