Crystal Michelle Mayes

Crystal Michelle Mayes, age 44, of London, Kentucky, peacefully departed this Earthly life on Monday August 26, 2024, at the ContinueCARE Hospital at Baptist Health, Corbin, KY, surrounded by her loving family. Our “Sissy” was born August 18, 1980, the daughter of Mitchell and Julia (Kathy Woody) Mayes of Middlesboro, KY.

Crystal was a faithful Christian and her greatest love was her Lord and Savior. Despite life-long illnesses, Crystal persevered and defied all odds. Education was of the utmost importance to her, as she graduated from Bell County High School; obtained an Associates of Arts Degree at Southeast Community and Technical College (Middlesboro); studied Psychology and Corrections at Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond); obtained a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Human Services and Professional Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College (Columbia); and obtained a Master’s of Education Degree in Counseling and Human Development at Lindsey Wilson College - School of Professional Counseling (Columbia); all with great honors. 

All the while, Crystal dedicated herself to a life of service to “the least of these.” She spent ten years as a Crisis Technician at Turning Point Children’s Crisis Unit, over ten more years as a Social Worker for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor at Behavioral Health Group, among many other roles and positions over her career. Though battling valiantly against an endless list of medical challenges, she left this world better than she found it, and that is the greatest achievement anyone can hope to accomplish. 

She believed in every child, parent, family, client, and patient, and kept them near to her heart. In her final years, Crystal also grew an online business, where she earned a community of more than 40,000 followers and friends, and was highly revered and deeply loved, of course. Also notable is Crystal’s dedication to the creation and tradition of the Child Abuse Awareness Candle Light Vigil held annually in Laurel County, KY. 

Crystal was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Sterl and Mattie (Marsee) Mayes; and her maternal grandparents, Frank and Hazel (Allen) Woody, all of Middlesboro, KY.

She is survived by her beloved fur-baby, Charlotte Antoinette (Charlie Ann) Mayes; her parents, Mitchell and Julia (Kathy Woody) Mayes of Middlesboro, KY; three sisters, Amanda Mayes of London, KY, Julie Mayes (Clyde, Jr.) Russell of Corbin, KY, and Magdalyn (Eric) Gray of Barbourville, KY; her favorite and only brother, Mitchell (Amy) Mayes, Jr. of Middlesboro, KY; three nieces, Bethany Russell of Berea, KY, Isabella Mayes of Middlesboro, KY, and Skylar Gray of New Tazewell, TN; three nephews, Brian (Jade) Bays of Frakes, KY, Matthew Bays of London, KY, and Jarod (Destiny) Russell of London, KY; great nephew, Roran Bays; great niece, Eden Russell; and a vast number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She also leaves to mourn her passing a countless host of family, very special friends, and co-workers who loved her dearly and were hugely important to her life. Her parents wish to thank each of you for graciously loving and supporting their treasured daughter.

A celebration of life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Mike Padgett presiding.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Green Hills Memorial Gardens Gazebo, Middlesboro, KY. 

Pallbearers will be Mitchell Mayes Jr., Clyde Russell, Jr., Eric Gray, Brian Bays, Matthew Bays, and Jarod Russell. Dear friend and honorary pallbearer will be Anthony Grubbs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cawood Funeral Home to help with her funeral expenses.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Crystal Michelle Mayes are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” - Psalm 73:26