Joy (Marcell) Mayo - Roeder Mortuary

Joy Marcell Mayo passed away at the age of 89 on December 30, 2021 in Omaha. Born January 27, 1932 as the second child to Cecil and Violet Golden in rural Custer County, she always had a determined spirit. The story was that she went by Marcell because she was not a Joy to be around as a baby. As a child she spent most of the time outdoors helping her father on the farm and riding her horse whenever possible. She fondly shared stories of riding her horse to school with her brother and sister. She graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1949 and married Robert “Bob” Mayo in 1950. During their marriage they lived in various locations including England and France. To this union 8 children were born, Robin, Rick, Resa, Rene, Russell, Robert, Rod, and Rhonda.

Marcell returned to Broken Bow after her separation to raise the kids. In Broken Bow she worked for Pirnie Brothers and then Production Credit Association. It was at PCA she was given the opportunity to move to Omaha in 1981. This had been her dream which she had spoken of often and being the independent, determined person she was, she grabbed the opportunity. Once settled in Omaha, Marcell was able to move a horse raised by her Dad and rekindled her love of horses. She continued to enjoy horses until her death. When she wasn’t riding, she was outside riding her bicycle, walking her dog, or gardening around her house. Marcell even learned to snow ski in her 50’s and continued to ski into her 70’s when her lift ticket was free. Marcell was most happy outside. In 2019, Marcell moved from her home to Immanuel Village in Omaha. She quickly turned a weed infested patch of dirt into a beautiful flower garden which all the residents would stop and admire. She continued to walk 3 times a day, weather permitting, around the paths of Immanuel Village. In May 2021 Marcell suffered a stroke and was moved to Brighton Gardens where she resided until her passing.

Marcell is survived by her sister, Betty McMillan of Broken Bow, children Robin (Colleen) of Omaha, Resa (Dale) Marshall of Iowa, Rene Mayo-Rejai of Lincoln, Russell of Kearney, Robert (Sue) of Kearney, Rod (Donna) of Florida, and Rhonda (Loyd) Pointer of Sargent as well as 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Marcell is preceded in death by her son Rick, her parents, her brothers John and Terry Golden, sister Charlene Nova and great-grandchild Thomas Knoeferl.

Visitation Thursday 4:00 – 6:00 PM at mortuary. Graveside Service 11:00 AM Friday (1/7/22) at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials to Nebraska Humane Society.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – 108th Street Chapel

2727 N 108th St – Omaha, NE – 402-496-9000

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