Marsha Mayes lost her son when he was 3. On his 18th birthday, a final celebration

Marsha Mayes looks towards the sun and smiles after her daughter Diamond Covington surprised her with cake to the face during the celebration. She said the shining sun made her feel Terrell was present that day. 

Story and photos by Azhae’la Hanson, Asst. Editor 

Music floated around a barbecue as family and community came together to celebrate the birthday of Terrell Mayes Jr. in the memorial garden at 918 26th Ave. North in July. 

Spoken word, budding plants with healing properties, and SpongeBob decorations, Terrell's favorite, blew in the wind. 

His mother, Marsha Mayes, said the sun shone bright on her that morning; she attributed it to Terrell, letting her know it was going to be a great day. She said that moment helped her solidify the decision that it would be the last time that she would observe her son's birthday in this way. 

Terrell's 18th birthday cake sits in the garden during the birthday celebration. 

July 29 marked what would have been Terrell's 18th birthday. He was 3 when, in 2011, a stray bullet went through his house and took his life. Fifteen years later, no one has been convicted of the murder. 

A bench was constructed to honor Terrell. It keeps the space a peaceful reminder of who he was and serves as a place of refuge for those who can reflect on lost loved ones. 

“Like every seed planted in this garden, every child in North Minneapolis deserves that care, protection, and love they need to grow and flourish. May this be a sacred space for healing, joy, and possibility– and a reminder of our responsibility to nurture and protect every child. May Terrell's memory continue to grow here.” 

“Blessed” and “nourished” were the words that came to mind when she sat quietly on the bench next to Terrell's urn. She smiled. 

On July 29, family and community members gathered in the Terrell Mayes Jr. Memorial Garden at 918 26th Avenue North to celebrate the last public celebration for what would have been his 18th birthday. 

Marsha Mayes holds her grandson Ezakai Blevins at the birthday party in July. She beamed, saying that Ezakai, who would be Terrell's nephew, looks just like Terrell when he was that age. 

“I'm at the point in my life where I just want my soul to rest because I've been so angry and hurt and agitated with the city not finding his killer,” she said. “It’s time to just let it go. Junior is in Heaven, and I am encouraging somebody else with my strength. It’s been a long time, I'm just blessed to be able to come and remember him, give out whatever type of resources or help that I can give, and let it be God's will.” 

The Community Members for Environmental Justice created the memorial garden as a space of healing and peace in partnership with Marsha Mayes in 2021 for Terrell and other children lost to gun violence. 

Mayes sits on a bench beside her son’s ashes in the memorial garden.