Jane "Wallace" Mayo

Jane "Wallace" Mayo, age 83, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026.

Wallace was born to Henry and Emma Kate Wood in Bristol, Tennessee on January 23, 1943. She attended the University of TN where she met and married her husband of 62 years, Claxton Mayo. Wallace graduated with a BS in education and made Knoxville her home. She was a devoted wife and mother and active in many organizations. Wallace always loved learning which brought her back to UT to get a master's degree in Computer Science. She then put both of her degrees to work and taught various computer science courses at UT and served as a liberal arts advisor for over 30 years. She was loved by the students which earned her the "Teacher of the Year for UT campus" one year and the "Teacher of the year for the Computer Science Department" multiple times.

Wallace was an avid bridge player, a voracious reader, and an extremely intelligent woman, well-versed in many subjects. She was known for her quick wit, warmth, and charm, and for her ability to make others feel instantly comfortable.

Wallace was a longtime and faithful member of The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and a steady source of strength as she faced numerous physical challenges with grace and resolve.

Later in life, her greatest joy and focus became her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took deep interest in their lives, celebrated their milestones, and made each of them feel seen, supported, and deeply loved. Her presence was steady, thoughtful, and constant, and her love for them was unmistakable.

Wallace was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Henry Wood (Nancy).

Wallace is survived by her husband, Claxton Mayo; her two children, Bryan Mayo and Elizabeth Cox (Thad); her sister Katherine Sullivan (Larry); and her sister-in-law Josephine "Cissy" Mayo. She also leaves her four cherished grandchildren Matt Cox (Holly), Chris Cox (Lauren), Blake Mayo (Victoria), and Bethany Jancek (Zac), great-grandchildren Henderson Cox, Elijah Cox, and three great-granddaughters expected later this year; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral mass will be held at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heard of Jesus on Friday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends afterward in the Cathedral Hall. In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial gifts to be made to The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee or UT Hospice Services. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneral.tn.com