Eric Wayne Mayes, age 55, of Newport News, VA, departed this life on December 14, 2025. He was born on May 13, 1970, to Reverend Charlotte MayesSimms and Bryant Mayes, Jr. in Petersburg, VA.

Eric, affectionately known as "Big E", was a graduate of Petersburg High School. After graduating, he attended Richard Bland College with a major in Culinary Arts. He attended Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA and Calvary Baptist Church, DeWitt, VA.

Eric was employed with Prince George County Public Schools as a teacher's aide. He also was a professional bodyguard for various professional artists in Los Angeles, California. Eric signed his Mary Kay agreement on August 10, 2018. He was the first male Independent Beauty Consultant in the unit. He provided A1 service to all his customers and supported his entire team. Although Mary Kay was created for women by a woman, Eric made his presence known as a Mary Kay Man by touching the lives of so many women through Mary Kay products and services.

Eric's newest passion was making his mark in the travel industry. On June 27, 2025, he became a member of the Travorium family where he helped people travel better, travel more and travel for less. He was extremely excited about traveling the world through a totally different lens.

In his spare time, Eric enjoyed fishing and he also wrote a book entitled "Strictly Platonic".

Whether it was skincare, cosmetics or travel, Eric enriched many lives. He will be missed by many.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emmaline Harper, Josheph Harper, Gladys Turner and Berma Turner; aunt, Evelyn Jones; uncles, Joseph Harper, Moses Harper, James Harper and Ronald Harper.

Eric leaves to cherish his memories to his parents, Reverend Charlotte MayesSimms and Bryant Mayes, Jr.;  significant other, Terra Davis; brother, Bryant Mayes III (Patrice); aunts, Paige Marie Harper and Doll Harper; nieces, Peyton and Piper Mayes; cousins, Loretta Harper-Brown, Marquis McCain, Jennifer LaCue, Rev. David Harper, Pam Jones, Patricia Jones, Moses P. Harper, Jr., Adrian Harper, Ronald Harper, April Gales, Kyree Harper, Lamar Harper, Dequan Jones and Tisha "Boo" Harper; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to all of Eric's friends, co-workers, relatives and neighbors for the support shown during this time. We are forever grateful for the calls, cards and visits.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Clarence M. Thweatt, Jr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family request that any monetary donations made be mailed to Eric's mother, Rev. Charlotte MayesSimms at 35 Filmore Street Apt. 105, Petersburg, Virginia 23803

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.