Ms. Mary Winston Mayes was born in Clayton, Mississippi. She recounts favorite cooking and baking experiences with gher grandmother, Ms. Essie Guy. In particular, Ms. Mayes discusses making butter rolls, Biscuits, molasses bread and sweet potato pies during a time when people used ice boxes to cool their foods.

She was interviewed on 30 April 2011 in the home of Ms. Marva Smith. The interview was conducted by Sandra Davidson. The interview is available at M.D. Anderson Library on the main campus of the university.