80-Year-Old’s Cross-Country Journey Leads to Unlikely Friendship
April 1, 2026
At the age of 80, Lois Mayo embarked on an adventurous relocation from
California to Tennessee, covering an impressive 2,000 miles. In the
process, she encountered the kindness she was hoping to find, forming an
unexpected bond with a local woman who became her “angel.”
class=”img-blogger-large”
src=”https://www.sunnyskyz.com/uploads/2026/04/svt99-woman-adopts-80-year-old-california-to-TN-good-news-story.jpg”
/>Lois Mayo and Paris Barnes
Despite having never set foot in Tennessee before, Lois decided to leave
California, driven by her desire for “the history and the people and the
southern hospitality—people are so nice.”
With her SUV packed, Lois, along with her cats Vanilla and Bubbs, set out
on this journey.
Her plan was straightforward, guided by a single route.
“I knew I-40 would take me to Tennessee,” she shared with
href=”https://www.newschannel5.com/news/woman-adopts-80-year-old-widow-who-moved-to-tennessee”
target=”_blank”
>News Channel 5
>.
After five days, Lois arrived in Murfreesboro with her pets. As a widow,
this move represented a fresh start rather than a reckless decision.
“It makes you feel more alive,” she remarked.
Facing the challenges of relocation, Lois spent her Social Security funds
during the trip and considered sleeping in her car due to a lack of housing
options.
Despite this, she maintained her optimism.
“I feel I can meet new people… and there’s angels everywhere,” she said.
And she was proven right.
A visit to a local Walmart introduced Lois to Paris Barnes, an employee who
soon became a pivotal figure in her life. Their encounter quickly developed
into a deeper connection.
“I think it was meant for us to meet,” Paris told her. “God is using me to
help you.”
Paris took immediate action, arranging temporary accommodation for Lois and
initiating a
href=”https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lois-find-safety-stability-in-tennessee”
target=”_blank”
>GoFundMe
>
campaign to assist her.
Furthermore, Paris helped Lois reconnect with her son, who had lost contact
during her journey. Through effort and resourcefulness, Paris located him
via an old Facebook page and police assistance. Unaware of his mother’s
move, he had been trying to reach her.
Lois, however, expressed her desire to stay in Tennessee, a state she
already calls home.
“She has expressed that she loves Tennessee and wants to stay,” noted Paris.
Currently residing in a motel, Lois is working with Paris to establish
stability, focusing on finding permanent housing, medical care, and
essential needs. Despite limited financial resources and long waitlists,
she is no longer facing these challenges alone.
Paris explained her motivation: “I truly believe we are called to serve
others, and in this moment, this is what that looks like.”
Generosity from the community has raised nearly $10,000 to assist Lois in
rebuilding her life.
Embracing her newfound path, Lois remains positive and embraces the
unexpected turns her journey has taken.
“You gotta follow your dreams,” she advised. “Life begins at 80.”
