Marie Ann Mayfield

Marie Ann Mayfield went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 20th after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Marie was born on September 20, 1952 in Stillwater, Oklahoma to James E. and Josie G. Walker. Marie leaves behind her loving and admiring husband of 47 years Sammy Mayfield; loving sister Betty J. Hines and husband Fred A. Hines of Columbia, Maryland; loving sister Diana L. Hodges and husband Donald A. Hodges of Norman, Oklahoma; and loving sister-in-law Kathy D. Henry and husband Tony W. Henry of Wichita, Kansas. Marie also has several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives who will mourn her passing. She also leaves behind her many friends and former teaching colleagues. These include her long-time friend of over 50 years and former college roommate, Leona Burton and long-time neighborhood friend of over 40 years, Chris Bennett. Marie also had many other special friends that loved and admired her as dearly as she did them. There are too many names to mention but you know who you are.

Marie graduated from Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School in 1970. She went on to attend what is now the University of Central Oklahoma earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1974 followed by a Master of Education degree in 1977. She subsequently added 30 more hours past her Master’s degree. Marie taught school for 42 ½ years primarily in the Mid-Del School System. The first 2 years of her teaching career began in Shamrock, Oklahoma. Marie was a dedicated teacher who loved and cared about the students she taught. Countless young lives have been influenced, shaped and molded by this wonderful and dedicated teacher. Marie was recognized as the Epperly Heights Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 1999 – 2000 school year. She was a mentor to many young teachers over the years with her advice being deeply valued. Marie was loved and admired by her fellow teaching colleagues and school administrators alike.

Marie married the love of her life Sammy Mayfield in Oklahoma City on December 27, 1978. They met in college and started dating in 1972. They were best friends for over 53 years. Marie would often ask Sammy “who was his best girl in the whole wide world?”. He would answer “you are” (of course)”. Marie was a devoted and loving wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and cousin. She also was a devoted and loving friend to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Marie believed in and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. This belief was readily apparent during her battle with cancer the last few weeks of her life.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the many Mercy Hospice nurses and aides that provided excellent and loving care to Marie during the final weeks of her life. The family would also like to thank the many relatives and friends that regularly checked on Marie and prayed with her. Lastly, the family would like to extend thanks to a special friend and former colleague, Pastor Kevin Hill, who provided comfort and spiritual inspiration throughout her illness.

Marie’s Celebration of Life service will be held in the chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, April 29th at 10 AM. Visitation will be held the prior evening at the same location from 4-8 PM. For those who cannot attend the Celebration of Life Service, a livestream link is available on the Dignity Memorial Park Funeral Home website. Marie will be laid to rest at the Stroud Cemetery following the service.