Lurlene Mayo, 71, of Denton, passed away on January 11, 2018 surrounded by her family at home in Denton.
Lurlene was born on April 5, 1946 in Coleman, Texas to Claud Marion and Irma Dean (Irvin) Morse. She married Erle Clyde "Gig" Mayo, Jr. on July 3, 1965 in Denton. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Texas.  Afterwards, Lurlene taught 3 ^rd and 4 ^th grade in the same classroom in Haslet. While there she coached 5 ^th and 6 ^th grade girls' basketball and went undefeated one season.
She and Gig were charter members of the Early Automobile Club of Denton that was founded in 1969. They shared their love of cars with fellow "car nuts" that became their life-long friends.
After receiving her Master's degree in Early Childhood Development from Texas Woman's University, she began teaching Kindergarten at Newton Rayzor Elementary School and worked there from 1977-1993. After her early retirement due to failing eyesight, she maintained her friendships from NRE by participating in a monthly luncheon with other retired teachers.
The Mayos lived in Ranch Estates for 40 years. She was informally known as the "Mayor of Ranch Estates" where she had many close-knit friendships with her neighbors.
She and Gig celebrated their 50 ^th anniversary at their favorite local restaurant Mr. Frosty's where she always loved ordering a black cow.  Gig preceded her in death in December 2015.
Her motto was "Every day's a gift."
Lurlene is survived by her daughter, Natalie Riegelman and her husband John and their twin girls "the squirrels," Maya and Zoey, all of Denton.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 E. Hickory St., Denton. Rev. Linda Snelling will officiate the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Newton Rayzor Elementary School for their Library Fund at 1400 Malone St. Denton, TX 76201.