'There's Angels Everywhere': Woman ‘Adopts’ 80-Year-Old Widow Who Moved From California to Tennessee

April 1, 2026

At 80 years old, Lois Mayo set out on a 2,000-mile journey in search of a new life—and along the way, she found exactly what she was hoping for: kindness, courage, and a stranger who would become her “angel.”

Lois Mayo and Paris Barnes

Without ever having visited before, Lois made the bold decision to leave California behind and head to Tennessee. Her reason was simple but heartfelt: “The history and the people and the southern hospitality—people are so nice.”

So she packed up her SUV, brought along her two cats, Vanilla and Bubbs, and hit the road.

No map. No detailed plan. Just a destination in mind.

“I knew I-40 would take me to Tennessee,” she told News Channel 5.

Five days later, the trio arrived in Murfreesboro after crossing the country together. For Lois, who is widowed, the move wasn’t reckless—it was revitalizing.

“It makes you feel more alive,” she said.

But starting over from scratch came with real challenges. The trip used up her latest Social Security check, and with nowhere to stay, Lois prepared herself for the possibility of sleeping in her car while she figured things out.

Still, she remained hopeful.

“I feel I can meet new people… and there’s angels everywhere,” she said.

She turned out to be right.

During a visit to a local Walmart, Lois met Paris Barnes, an employee who would soon play a life-changing role in her story. What began as a simple interaction quickly became something much deeper.

“I think it was meant for us to meet,” Paris told her. “God is using me to help you.”

Paris didn’t hesitate. She helped Lois get a temporary stay in a motel and launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her next steps. But her kindness didn’t stop there.

After learning Lois had lost contact with her son during the journey, Paris spent 24 hours tracking him down—eventually locating him through an old Facebook page and working with a police department to reconnect them. He had no idea his mother had left California and had been trying to reach her.

While her son is offering what help he can, Lois has made it clear she wants to stay in Tennessee — a place she already feels at home.

“She has expressed that she loves Tennessee and wants to stay,” Paris shared.

Now, the focus is on helping Lois build a stable future. She remains in a motel for the time being, as Paris works to secure long-term housing, medical care, and basic necessities. With limited income and long waitlists for affordable housing, the road ahead isn’t easy—but she’s no longer walking it alone.

Paris explained her motivation simply: “I truly believe we are called to serve others, and in this moment, this is what that looks like.”

Thanks to that compassion — and the generosity of others— nearly $10,000 has already been raised to help Lois get back on her feet.

As for Lois, she’s taking it all in stride, embracing the unexpected turns of her journey with the same courage that got her there in the first place.

“You gotta follow your dreams,” she said. “Life begins at 80.”