Each month, Abiding Presence will highlight a Stephen Minister, showcasing their unique journey and the inspiration behind their commitment to serving the community. This month’s feature is on Jeannie Mayo.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I have two sons and three grandchildren. My family of origin have all passed, but live on in regular storytelling with anyone who will listen. Joy, laughter, and high respect abound even in their absence.
One son, Neel, lives in New Braunfels with his wife, Lauren. Their three children are Will, age 14; Piper, age 17; and Leila, age 16. They are business owners and manage to enrich all around them beautifully. I am honored to be included often in their busy lives.
My other son, Nick, lives in NYC with his husband, Michael. They both are borderline workaholics but still manage to come to Texas to honor their parents’ birthdays and receive family and friends in their Upper West Side apartment with elegance and extreme generosity.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about Abiding Presence?
A: I am blessed to be regarded as a family member by three other families who have included me over the years and elevated my life’s journey immensely! One of those families, Clan McLin, are why and how I became familiar with Abiding Presence.
As Mary and Buster McLin and I were present at the births of Thomas, Catherine, and Elizabeth, I consider these three my grandchildren as well. I have joined their family at Abiding Presence for multiple events over the years. As I was church shopping, it was natural for me to join this place “where all are welcome, “… And indeed, welcome I have felt since I joined in the fall of 2019!
Q: Tell us about your Stephen Ministry experience.
A: Donna Stewart approached me about Stephen Ministries. The training was uplifting and gave me my next path for service to others. My work at Abiding Presence outside of Stephen Ministry is something yet to be discovered, but I feel certain as His voice and hand direct me.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I watch way too much TV and don’t travel as much as I would like because of my housemate, Miss Molly Mayo, a four-year-old mutt who makes me smile every day. Each day is a gift, and I absolutely love my life.