Ann Mayes: A Story of Resilience, Legacy, and Faith from Getting Shot And Being Paralyzed For The Rest Of Her Life

Ann Mayes has never been one to shy away from her truth. A proud native of the 9th Ward in New Orleans, she comes from a large and storied family, one that includes her late brother Warren Mayes — a beloved and legendary local rapper whose legacy still echoes through the city’s streets.

Though some associate her roots with the Iberville Projects — commonly referred to as "I-ville" — Ann clarifies that her family’s foundation is in the 9th Ward. The confusion, she explains, comes from her grandmother owning a neighborhood grocery store near Iberville. It was a cornerstone of the community, and it created a strong link between her family and the area.

Growing up surrounded by siblings was a blessing Ann cherished deeply. “I always wanted a big family,” she says with a nostalgic smile. That dream manifested in her own household: she is the proud mother of four children — Corey (also known as All Facts6), Jasmine (nicknamed Fashion Bug), Cory (Piggy), and Eric (E). Her voice beams with pride as she talks about them, emphasizing the tight-knit love that bonds her family.

Yet life was far from easy. Ann admits that during her early adult years, she was immersed in the street hustle, unaware of her brother Warren’s rising fame. It wasn’t until he dropped the hit “Get It Girl” and landed a deal with Atlantic Records that she realized how far he had come. Her heart still carries the weight of his loss — he was shot and killed in 1999 after attending a DMX concert. Just before that tragic night, he had given her some money, a gesture that now feels haunting and bittersweet.

Ann’s journey took a sharp turn when she found herself incarcerated due to past ties with drug dealers. While in jail, she had a powerful spiritual awakening. “I found God in there,” she says. That faith became her anchor, and she made a vow to change her life once she was released.

After her release, she tried to start fresh. She entered into a relationship with a man from the 7th Ward — the father of two of her children. But the betrayal ran deep when she discovered he was cheating on her with a woman they both knew from their younger days. That heartbreak reached a boiling point during a second line parade, a sacred tradition in New Orleans. There, she saw the mistress sitting in the car she once drove — a moment that ignited a confrontation. Though the full details remain private, the incident was so severe that it ultimately left Ann in a wheelchair.

Her journey didn’t end there. In another heartbreaking chapter, her last husband cheated on her and transmitted HIV to her. Still, despite the pain, betrayal, and adversity, Ann’s resilience remains unshaken.

“I’ve been through hell and back,” she says, “but I’m still standing — just in a different way now.”

Through it all, Ann finds joy in her family, especially her nephew James Mayes, a rising fashion designer and owner of the Emline brand. She speaks of him with fierce pride, a testament to the Mayes family's enduring creative spirit.

Ann Mayes’ story is one of survival, faith, and undeniable strength. She represents the soul of New Orleans — a woman shaped by its streets, its music, its heartbreak, and its boundless resilience.