Jeanette E. Mays, 87, of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at her daughter's home in Liberty Center, Ohio.

She was born on August 11, 1928 to Gaines and Lilly (Jesse) Helbert in Russel County, Virginia. Jeanette worked for several years at Campbell's Soup Company in Napoleon, retiring in 1991. In 19-- she married Riley Mays, who preceded her in death on April 3, 1993. Jeanette loved to travel, and enjoyed jig saw puzzles, porcelain dolls, Elvis Presley, and gospel music.
  
Jeanette will be sadly missed by her family, sons, Raymond Mays of Defiance, Robert (Debra) Mays of Duffield, Virginia, Earl Mays of Corpis Cove, Texas, Roy Mays of Dundee, Michigan, Samuel (Giovanna) Mays of Defiance, daughters, Patsy (John) Carlston of Liberty Center, Ohio, Paulette Mays of Abington, Virginia, Linda Roddy of Defiance, Lois  (Thomas) Perrin of Nickelsville, Virginia, Brenda Mays of Defiance, and Margaret Williams of Defiance, more than 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, one brother and three sisters. 
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Riley Mays, three daughters, Frampton Eichling, Loretta Mansfield, and Georgia Mays, 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and nine brothers and sisters.
  
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the funeral home, with Rev. Rick Trumbo and Timothy Carlston officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. A meal will follow at First Baptist Church in Napoleon.
  
Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.