The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Justin Clarence Mayberry passed away on the morning of January 27, 2024, after ninety-and-a-half years here on earth.

Justin was born on June 21, 1933, to Porter and Rosie "Arvilla" (Beamer) Mayberry in Granger, WA. He was the younger brother of Ellen (Mayberry) Bird. The family moved to Prescott, WA when Justin was 8, where he became a lifelong resident and trusted pillar of the community.

Justin graduated Salutatorian with the Prescott High School class of 1951. He attended WSC (WSU) for a year before entering the Marine Corps. Justin trained in San Diego and was stationed as a corporal in Japan at the foot of Mt Fuji. Upon discharge, he returned to Prescott, where he worked for several farmers and married the love of his life, Laverne (Dorsey) Mayberry, in 1957. They immediately started a family. While delivering fuel around Prescott, he spotted the house at 4th and F Street. They remodeled it and moved into the family home in 1962, where they would reside for 57 years until Laverne died in 2019. Justin continued to reside there until 2023, when his health dictated the move to Brookdale Senior Living in College Place, WA.

Justin worked at the Walla Walla Farmers Co-Op in Prescott and was employed there for 41 years, until his retirement in 1998. In addition, he supported the community by becoming the Prescott city clerk and Prescott Volunteer Fire Department Chief for 25+ years. Justin supported Kathy, Mike, and Tim in sports, Boy Scouts, 4H, and numerous school activities. He belonged to the Prescott Booster Club, Walla Walla Elks Lodge, and Saint Mark Catholic Church.

Every Dad is special. However, Justin Mayberry was molded by our Heavenly Father to become an example of how to live the Christian life in service...to God, his family, his friends, strangers, the poor, and those needing to turn their lives around. When he had little treasure, he shared his time and talents...as a son, as a student, as a Marine, as a hired hand, as a husband, as a mechanic, as a store manager, as a firefighter, as a city clerk, and as a town marshal. He never boasted of his accomplishments. Humility and kindness were ever-present. He was a virtuous man, a shining example of the Cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude) and theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity). He led a life of faithfulness...to God (Daily prayer and Scripture), to the Church (faithful service as a Eucharistic minister and member of the choir at St. Mark Parish), to his wedding vows (62 years of marriage to Laverne), to his country (ever a Marine, favorite Holiday 4th of July), to his community, to his family (as a son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin).

Justin is survived by his children, Kathy (Mike) Jansen, Mike (Lisa) Mayberry, and Tim (Barbara) Mayberry; Grandchildren, Joshua (Jenny) Mayberry, Michelle (Joe) Sebastiani, Jonathan (Randi) Mayberry, Stuart (Ann) Jansen, Colby (Jessica) Mayberry, Jessica (Ari) Fernando, Suzanne (Elijah) Castillo, Faith Mayberry; Eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way and numerous nieces and nephews, who fondly call him "Unkie Justin." He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Joe Wilkinson, an infant sister, Luella, sister Ellen Mayberry-Bird, and his beloved wife, Laverne.

Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, February 9, 2024, beginning at 3:00 pm, followed by a Rosary service at 7:00 pm, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10:00 am, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Waitsburg, WA. A graveside service will follow at the Ivy Cemetery, Prescott, WA.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, Prescott HS Alumni Association, or a charity of the donor's choice through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at http://www.herringgroseclose.com.