Joe Michael "Mike" Mayo

Mike was born on December 17, 1953 at Galveston County Hospital, Galveston, TX. He attended school in League City and furthered his education at the University of Texas in Austin. He learned his work ethic at an early age by managing a U-totem store in his teens. Mike never met a stranger and always had a magical smile that would light up a room. His energy came from being around people, especially those he loved. He adored and loved his three sisters and would talk, text, and email them frequently. He made friends all over the world. He believed in God, and that all people were equal and treated them so. He was truly a good person. He was a past officer in the Antique Dealers Association of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, a past board officer at The Village at Henderson Point prior to Katrina, and a member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club. He was passionate about reading and we often donated to the Hancock County Library Association.

Mike and Tom opened Countryside Antiques of Waveland since 1978. Even though he always considered Waveland and Pass Christian home, he missed living in Texas. Finding treasures and helping people find those beautiful items was a true passion. He loved travelling and spending time with family and friends. Mike wanted to be remembered as a happy, positive, and gentle person, but could be quite outspoken if he believed it. Mike was a true “giver” and not a taker. He will be missed by family, friends and all that ever met him.

Many years ago, there was a group of eight that decided to go out to eat on Friday nights. We were a melting pot of religions, politics, backgrounds – you name it. We became the “Friday dinner night group” and then one night we got the bright idea of going to Costa Rica for a week. Later that evening, Mike and I went home and thought “we were only with this group for a couple of hours every Friday, now we are going to Costa Rica with them. This should be interesting!” It turned out to be the greatest of friendships, and we remain the best of friends to this day!

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette Petrea Mayo and Bobby Joe Mayo of Kemah, TX.

He is survived by his husband and partner of 49 years, Tom Cottom; sisters, Donna Morris (Carl) and Melissa Snell (Willy) both of Austin, TX and Linda Keith (Alan) of Kingwood, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Sue and Dale Bullock of Raymond, MS, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nephews, plus countless cousins. A special thank you to Mike’s friends who have been so supportive, as well as to Dr. Allison Wall and her staff; Dr. Summer Allen and her staff; the staff of 4th floor cancer wing at Memorial Hospital, Gulfport, and the 3rd floor staff at Select Specialty Hospital, Gulfport. This journey could not have been made without the love, care and attention they gave.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 2, 2025 from 2 to 5 PM at the Bay Waveland Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Club Dr., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Waveland, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .