Cora Mae Horton Mayes, 102 of Coeburn, VA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love. Born on May 26, 1923, in Marshall, Arkansas, Cora Mae 'as everyone knew her' was a woman of quiet resilience, deep faith, and remarkable talent.

She met the love of her life, Theodore Elmo Mayes, in Baltimore during the shipyard years of Word War II. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion and hard work, eventually settling in Wise County, Virginia, where they raised their family and contributed to the communities of Coeburn and Norton. Elmo preceded her in death in 2007.

Cora worked at the Norton Garment Factory and later at St Mary's Hospital, where she managed the Housekeeping and Laundry Department with care and precision.  A gifted seamstress, she found joy in crafting habits for the Sisters and sewing for patients - always with a personal touch. Her ability to "reverse engineer" garments and other items just by looking at them was legendary, especially in the days before the internet. She never stopped learning, and her hands told stories of creativity, compassion, and quiet mastery.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elmo; parents, Andrew and Maude Wright Horton; brothers, Wright (Wilma) Horton, Rufus (Verna) Horton, and Noah (Dorothy "Dot") Horton; sister, Tulsa (Comer) Russell; stepdaughter, Peggy (Benjamin) Fowler; several cherished nieces, and nephews.

Cora Mae is survived by her son, Danny Mayes and daughter, Pamela (Charlie) Bates; grandchildren, Regina Bates and Matthew (Candice) Bates; great-grandchildren, Able Pippen and Mila Bates. Her legacy lives on in the strength, kindness, and ingenuity she instilled in her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Wise Heritage Hall Resident Fund, in honor of the care and dignity they provided.

A special note of gratitude to Estes Funeral Home for making such a difficult time less burdensome, and for their true testimony of compassionate service.

A private family service will be held. She will be laid to rest by her Loving Husband in Greenwood Acres, Coeburn, VA.

Online condolences may be sent at www.estesfuneralhomes.com.

Estes Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Cora Mayes.