Thelma Elaine Mays, affectionately known to everyone as "Elaine", departed this life on Monday, May 18, 2026, at her granddaughter's home in Hopewell, VA. She was born on October 9, 1943, in Welch, West Virginia to the late Eddie and Bertha Mays.

Elaine attended Kimball High School. She later moved to Petersburg, VA with her family in 1963. Two years later, she moved to Cleveland Oh and moved back to Petersburg in1967.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Elwood Mays, James Mays, Eugene Mays, Curtis Mays, Jerry Mays and Kenneth Mays; and her sisters, Edna Wiggins and Linda Mays.

Elaine a single mother of four, dedicated many years to the service industry to provide for her children. She enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo. Her favorite TV show was "Little House on the Prairie".

Elaine's biggest enjoyment was her family. She was a giver to anyone that was in need and she never tuned anyone away for a place to stay or a meal. She had unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Elaine leaves to cherish her loving memories to her children, Devon Mays, Sr., Theadore "Popo" Mays, Towanda Casey and Willie Casey; loving and devoted granddaughter, Samaria Casey and nine other grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-love Tina "Tina Ro" Davis; brothers, Thomas Mays (Phillis), Kelly Mays and Anthony Mays; and her sisters, Minnie Cole and Brenda Rives; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, June 5, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5976684?fl=so&fe=fs