William J. Mayo

William Jonathan Mayo aka “Will“ was born on May 5, 1966 in Cincinnati, OH to Elaine Mayo and William Burton. Will departed this life on February 5, 2021 in John’s Creek, GA. Will accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Southern Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor James E. Milton in Cincinnati, OH where he served on the Jr. Usher Board and sang in the Inspirational Choir.

Will graduated from Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, OH and continued his education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He attended Central State University, then later transferred to the prestigious Morehouse College becoming a PROUD MOREHOUSE MAN.

Being a Mentor is what caused him 19 years of his life. Will tried to keep a low profile, but that was short lived when someone recognized him, and asked him to speak at a MLK Rally. From that point on, he vowed that he would always fight for equal rights, and the wrongfully convicted. He continued to speak out against injustice wherever needed. His CD “3 Credits Shy, A Dream Deterred, The Wrongful Conviction of William Jonathan Mayo” was his short story. He was always grateful for the late Rev. Milton’s assistance, The SBC Family and Friends who were always willing to support him; as well as Georgians and many HBCU’s fighting for his innocence. Most of all, for the late Kimberly Todd’s tenacity and friendship for getting his story recognized and always fighting for his freedom.

Will loved mentoring the youth, modeling and was pictured in many magazines. He was extremely intelligent, thoughtful, introspective and was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. He was not overly talkative, but when he had something to say, everyone would listen.

Will’s passion was getting people healthy and was a very well-known Professional Master Level Fitness Trainer to a very Elite Clientele. His warm and outgoing personality attracted people to him and that contributed to his success. He worked at Lifetime Fitness and this became his extended family. The Lifetime Family affectionately called him “Dad” and “Uncle Will”, as he was the eldest of the trainers.

Above all, Will was a FAMILY MAN who always put FAMILY FIRST!!! Although he had no children of his own, he was a loving cousin and awesome uncle. He cherished spending time with his nieces and nephews and always let them know how proud he was of them.

Will was preceded in death by his grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

William leaves to cherish his beautiful memories: his mother, Elaine Patterson (Elbert Patterson-deceased); father, William Burton (Myrtus) of Inglewood, CA; siblings, Dondeago Mayo, E. Lynn Davis (Mark Sr.) and Roxanne Burton-Ryles, all of Cincinnati, OH, Brian Burton of Macon, GA, Nicholas Burton of Inglewood, CA, Kimberly Burton of California City, CA and Michael Burton of N. Hollywood, CA; aunts, Darlene Jackson (Nathaniel “Uncle Sip”-deceased), Andrew “Sue Ann” Bryson, Mary Alice “Lil Bit” Bryson and Johnnie Mae “Sweets” Patterson, all of Cincinnati, OH; William’s fiancé, Dollicita “Dolly” Lawson of Suwanee, GA; siblings by marriage, Kareen Patterson, Derrick “Rick” Patterson and Darryl Patterson, all of Cincinnati, OH, Lathena Ellison, Deandre Ellison and Donnell Smith, all of Los Angeles, CA and Lamount Smith of Georgetown, KY; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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