Steve Mayberry, a man who’s passion for his family, his friends and, of course, his barbeque was an inspiration to all who knew him. On March 30, 2010, Steve lost his battle with colon cancer but left behind a legacy of fun-loving and family values that will never be forgotten. It is in memory of Steve that we set out to raise awareness and funds for the Lynch syndrome cause that is now so dear to our hearts.
With a strong family history of cancer that could be traced through at least five generations, Steve was always very proactive about his health. Since the age of 25, Steve received regular colonoscopies and check-ups. Despite this, in June of 2009, Steve was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Specifically, Steve had Lynch syndrome, which is a hereditary gene mutation that predisposes people to colon cancer. Men with Lynch syndrome have a 90% risk of contracting cancer in their lifetimes, which is overwhelmingly colon cancer. Lynch syndrome has no cure and its diagnosis can be devastating to patients and their families. With education, early identification and the future advances of modern medicine, however, the effects of this disease can be minimized. Through the events organized by Mayberry Memorial, we hope to raise awareness of and research funds for this genetic condition.
Steve has always been a true Texan at heart and holds strong ties to the Carrollton community. Steve grew up in Carrollton, Texas, where he lived until he left home for college. After meeting and marrying his wife of 26 years, Suzan, while attending University of Texas at Arlington, the two eventually moved back to Carrollton to start their family and their life together. Steve and Suzan raised their sons Travis and Kyle for many years in Carrollton before moving down the road to Coppell, where the family settled until the boys graduated high school.
Steve spent his professional career with the United States Postal Service. A career opportunity with USPS moved Steve and Suzan to the Washington, D.C. area, where, only a few short months later, it was learned that Steve had cancer. As Steve’s hard-fought battle with cancer was coming to an end, it was important for him to return to Texas, where he could spend his final days with family and friend in the place that he called home for so many years.
When pursuing his career with the USPS, Steve was following in the footsteps of his father. Steve’s father, Mitchell Mayberry, had a long career with the post office and served as the Postmaster of Carrollton for nearly 20 years. Like Steve, the Mayberry family has a long history with the Carrollton community. Aside from his career with the postal service, Mitchell also served on the planning committee for Indian Creek Golf Course, coached Carrollton Little League Baseball for 12 years and served on the Parks and Recreation Board. In appreciation of his services, the City of Carrollton named a field at McInnish Park in his honor. The Steve Mayberry Memorial Cookoff has been held in view of Mitchell Mayberry field, a tribute to both Steve and his father. The Mayberry women also hold a strong place in the Carrollton community as teachers in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District. Steve’s mother, grandmother and aunt all spent their careers teaching the children of Carrollton.
It is in honor of Steve that we raise awareness and funds for Lynch syndrome cancer research.
