Solomon Wilson Mayo, affectionately known as “Jody” to his family and friends, was peacefully called home to eternal rest on August 29, 2020 at the age of 64.

Jody was born to Rosa Turner and Solomon Mayo on April 20, 1956 in Richmond, Va. As the youngest of four boys, he was known for being the baby boy.

In 1973, Jody enlisted in the United States Army as a culinary specialist. He often bragged that he served his country by making sure “the soldiers had their soft-serve ice cream in the mess hall.” Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1975, Jody returned to his hometown and resumed his full-time position as life of the party. Whether he was trash-talking with friends, cutting up in the company of his family or cheering on the Redskins while throwing a cold one back, he was truly a joy to be around and had a gift for making others feel at home.

Jody was a lover and he loved his family and friends fiercely. His grandchildren, who he lovingly referred to as “the twins,” were among his greatest life accomplishments, and he was seldom without a picture to show them off to anyone who would pay attention. A people-person by nature, Jody always found a way to bring others together. As a founding member of the 21st Street Dog Pack of Jefferson Park, he organized an annual reunion to reconnect with neighborhood friends. He also loved to entertain and was well-known for his infamous cookouts, although what happened at Jody’s house hardly ever stayed at Jody’s house. One of his favorite phrases was, “I had one, two, three, too many.”

Those who knew Jody personally felt his passion to give. Whether he was helping someone in need, or lending his couch to a friend for a night or two, if you needed Jody, he’d always find a way to be there. Even those in his local community were recipients of his generosity, from his friends at the ABC Store to the local Family Dollar, where he blessed his favorite employees with Christmas gifts.

Jody called Hampton (“The Hamptons”) his home. He loved the area, its water, and especially Buckroe Beach. In his free time, Jody was an avid fisherman and always managed to find a hole where he’d catch everything from crabs to catfish. Which he enjoyed more — catching the fish or eating them — is debatable.

Jody is survived by his daughter, Michelle (James); his brother, Walter Johnson; his aunt, Lillian Yarbourough; his significant other, Barbara Johnson; two grandchildren, Chloe and Jacob; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rosa and Solomon; his brothers, Raymond and Ronald Turner; and his sister, Sandra Mayo Rose.

Memorial arrangements will be forthcoming and posted to Jody’s Facebook page. Cards/Gifts of Love can be sent to Jody’s daughter:

Michelle Cobb
PO Box 671
Louisa, VA 23093-0671