Merlene Mayfield Beard

Merlene Mayfield Beard, of Woodville, Florida, passed away on September 7, 2025. Merlene was born on June 7, 1943 to loving parents, Ira Curtis Mayfield and Minnie Lee Mayfield-Sheffield. She was born in Leon County in the Chaires Community.

Early on in Merlene’s life, she knew she would be a nurturer. When she was blessed to become a grandmother, she played a very active role in all of their lives. She absolutely loved them with all of her being. She worked at the elementary school so that she could be close to the children, pouring good character, morals and values into their lives.

Merlene chose to follow the Lord at a very early age. She joined the Woodville Baptist Church and served in many capacities. She loved to sing in the choir and was a coordinator with the “Clothes Closet”, an organization which provides clothing and other necessities to those in need.

Merlene worked at the voter polls in her community, and she volunteered with the Senior Citizens. She was also a member of the volunteer fire department of St. Marks.

Merlene had a strong personality, and she loved to be right! She will be deeply missed by all of those who loved her.

Merlene was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Curtis Mayfield and Minnie Lee Sheffield; her husband, Harold Lynn Beard; her son, James and her beloved grandson, Ashton. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Ralph Mayfield, Richard Mayfield, Curtis Mayfield, Raymond Mayfield, Margaret Locke and Geraldine Jones.

Left to cherish her memories are her children: Terry (Howard), Jerry (Christy) and Scott (Tosha); her grandchildren, Michael, Angelica, Kelsey, Madison, Nick, Tonya and Harley; her great-grandchildren, Triston, Paisley, John, Kenneth Jr., Lylah, Addisyn, Mason, Shelby and Katharina. She is also survived by her loving sister, Loretta Hannah.