Syota Estelle Mays peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 10 ^th in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born on January 23 ^rd , 1935 to John B. Finnell and Lillian F. (Martin) Finnell in Dalton, Missouri.

Estelle attended elementary school in Carrollton and graduated from Dalton Vocational High School. She graduated from the Kansas City Business College, and she held a Missouri Cosmetology license and worked for many years as a hairstylist. Estelle also worked for many years at Carrollton Memorial Hospital as a nurse in the nursery unit, and was the first African American to do so at that hospital. In 1968 she married to Frank Mays and lived many years in Norborne, and they later divorced.

Estelle was a lifelong member of Virginia Street Baptist Church in Carrollton, Missouri and held many titles in the church over the years. She was most proud of holding the position of the church organist and pianist for over 30 years after taking over for her mother Lillian Finnell. She was always willing to serve as a guest pianist at many churches throughout Missouri. She played at many funerals in the area as well. Over the years, Estelle could be seen working in her yard on 4 ^th street and taking her walks around her neighborhood. For many years she enjoyed riding her stationary bike 5 to 10 miles quite often 6 to 7 days per week, as well as performing her daily exercises. After moving to Monroe Manor, Estelle developed many close friendships with her fellow residents and became known as "Sis "to many of the ladies there.

In March of 2022 she began spending extended time in Lawrence, Kansas with her family there. While in Lawrence, Estelle could be seen sitting outside on the patio when the weather allowed, and when great grandson, Gameson, visited weekly - she loved to watch him jump on the trampoline while talking with her daughter- in- law, Rita. Estelle was especially close to and cared for by her grandson Boomer, for whom she referred to as "The Doctor ", and together they shared many laughs, stories and memories. Estelle also enjoyed and looked forward to many special talks with her sister friend Marjorie Bigby.

Estelle enjoyed reading bible prayers, sewing, arts and crafts, watching westerns, COPS, and sports. She also enjoyed visiting with and writing to her countless friends and family members. Estelle was very vibrant, funny, outgoing and full spunk. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Estelle was proceeded in death by her parents, sisters, Marlene Preston Finnell and Frances Finnell, a brother Vernell Finnell, former husband Frank Mays, and a son Melvin Mays.

She is survived by sons, Glenn (Celeste) Mays of Clinton Mo, Darryl Finnell of St. Joeseph, Mo, David Finnell of Blue Springs, Mo and Byron (Rita) Mays of Lawrence, KS, sister Lovea Kern of Kansas City, Mo, special nieces Lisa Kern and Julie (Dallas) Slaughter, both of Kansas City, MO, and the Marjorie Bigby family. Estelle is also survived by her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will be at Virginia Street Baptist Church in Carrollton, Missouri on Saturday May 20 ^th , 2023. There will be a 10 AM visitation and 11 AM funeral.  The family will greet friends immediately after the service at the church. Estelle will be cremated after the service and a private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses or to the Virginia Street Baptist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.