Barbara Jean Mayo

Barbara Jean Mayo, 84, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Born on August 18, 1940 in Bronx, NY, she was a daughter of the late Cecelia Fesselmyer Hetrick and Charlie Hetrick.

Barbara was the matriarch of our family, the glue that held us all together. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, our guiding light, and a source of endless love. She raised four children on her own in a loving home, teaching them the values of kindness and independence.

She was a hard worker until her retirement at age 70. Barbara had a passion for sewing and found joy in creating beautiful handmade items for family and friends. She also loved feeding the birds each day, a simple act that brought her peace and happiness. Barbara brought warmth and joy to everyone she met. She is loved beyond words and will be deeply missed.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter Brittany Townsend, her great-granddaughter Celeste Townsend, and her brothers and sister.

She is survived by her daughters, Debora Gaetano and Donna McLean; her sons, Dean Gaetano, Dominic Gaetano, and Mark Anderson; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.