Glenda (Jenkins) Mayo

Glenda S. Jenkins Mayo, age 76, departed this life on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Forbes Hospital Hospice. Glenda S. Jenkins was born October 9, 1948, in Newport News, VA to John L. Jenkins and Gertrude Lula Jackson Jenkins. Glenda was one of ten children. Growing up in the Newsome Park community of Newport News, VA. Glenda attended First Baptist Church Jefferson Park; was known for her style and class at a very young age; loved to cook and bake; attended Newport News Public Schools, graduating from George Washington High School in 1966. In high school, Glenda was on the debate team, played violin in the orchestra, was a member of Future Teachers of America, and was a debutant. In 1970, Glenda graduated from Virginia State University with a degree in Special Education. She earned a Masters degree in Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Glenda was recruited to come to Pittsburgh to teach. She became friends with Beatrice Bridges, a teacher at South High School. One weekend, Bebe was driving home to Columbus and invited her new friend Glenda Jenkins. Bebe’s nephew, Dwight, who was at Pitt, asked if he could get a ride home to Columbus. They met on that car ride and that’s how Glenda met the love of her life, Willard Dwight Mayo, Sr. and they married July 6, 1973. To their union, they had two very accomplished, devoted sons, W. Dwight Mayo, Jr. and Michael A. Mayo. She loved her Dwight and Michael. Glenda became a special education teacher at South High School, Fifth Avenue High School and Herron Hill Middle School which later became Margaret Milliones Middle School. She eventually became the Activities Director, planning all types of enriching programs for the students. She retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools in 2005. Glenda and Dwight loved to entertain in their homes on Graham Boulevard and Edgewood Drive. Edgewood Drive was truly party-central. There were card games of all kinds and sports watching, particularly football. Glenda’s meals were always fabulous from hors d’oeuvres to desserts, all made by her loving hands. She loved decorating her tables and the house. Glenda was really the hostess with the most. Glenda cared for and did for family and friends. If support was needed, Glenda was there for you. The family was very important to her. Nieces and nephews visited their Aunt Glenda. Glenda was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter on April 7, 1990. She served the chapter in many roles. She chaired events such as Card Parties, Presentation Balls, and Regional Conferences in Pittsburgh, assisted Regional Directors in hosting International receptions, and served on the Ivy Charitable Endowment Board of Directors, just to name a few. Glenda was so proud when her niece Milbeth was initiated, then daughter-in-love Tricia became an AKA and later granddaughter, Miyah. More than 40 years ago, Glenda joined The Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal and served the church faithfully. Every priest at Holy Cross knew they could count on Glenda Mayo to serve. She became a friend and supporter to each of them. Glenda was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Willard Dwight Mayo, Sr., parents John L. and Gertrude Lula Jenkins, siblings Charlotte Smith, Gussie Dickens, Harvey “Keith” Jenkins, and longtime sister friend, Terry Grinage Beale. Glenda leaves to cherish her memory, her sons W. Dwight Mayo, Jr. (wife Tricia), and Michael A. Mayo (wife Claudette); grandchildren Kiana Marrie Mayo and Miyah Leigh Mayo; siblings Delores Brooks (James), Betti Hinton (Milton), Barbara Baker, John L. Jenkins, Keretha Whiteld, Alton Coley Jenkins (Terri), sister-in-law Sandra Hemphill (Lewis, Sr.); Godchildren Kirsten Owens (Greg), Alexandra Sledge and Marcus Grinage (Jamie), bonus grandchild Charleigh Grinage, special sister friend Cynthia Madison and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Special thanks to Tracy Elliott for always taking Glenda to doctors’ appointments

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