Clara Marie Mayes

Clara Marie Bonds Mayes, age 91 of Paducah died on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Baptist Health in Paducah.  She was born May 25, 1934 in Smithland, Kentucky.  She went to school in Salem, Kentucky.  Her dad was Rollie Love Bonds, and her mother was Ruby Baker Bonds. She moved from Kentucky when she was 17 years old, taking her first plane trip to Michigan with Bro. Atwell. She met her late husband, Charlie Mayes, there and they married June 19, 1954. Clara played the saxophone for over 50 years and traveled for many years playing in different churches. Her daughter, Regina, played her clarinet beside her. If Clara missed a note, so would Regina. Charlie, Clara and Regina always worked as a team. 

The joy of the Lord was Clara's strength and her unwavering faith was shown through her servants heart. She taught Sunday School, was an usherette in Warren Church, worked in serving lines at many churches, and took care of diabetics during lunch at the camp meeting for years.  She traveled all over America and also to Paris, France twice and Haiti once. Clara loved to sing and sang in choirs, trios, quartets, duets, and as a soloist, always praising the Lord. 

Clara is survived by her daughter, Regina Mayes of Paducah; and two sisters, Patsie Joines of Kevil and Glenda Crafton (Alton) of Lenexa, KS.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her infant son; her three brothers, Glenn Bonds, Philip Bonds, and Ralph Bonds; and three sisters, Margie Henderson, Norma Bonds, and Linda Bonds. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00am at Gospel Assembly Church with Bro. Encil Edmonds and Bro. Mike Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City, KY. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 5:00pm till 7:00pm at Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home, and on Thursday from 10:00am until the funeral hour at the church. 

Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Mayes family.