Willie Ben Mayfield

Willie Ben Mayfield passed away at home in Cashion, OK, on February 15, 2020. He was born September 6, 1946 in Greenwood, Mississippi. Willie was one of seven children born to Walter Payton and Virgie Magnolia Mayfield.

Willie believed in us more than we believed in ourselves. He was proud of all of his children and grandchildren. His family was everything to him, he spent his life as a servant, serving God, his family and those around him.

He was a protector, a consoler, the rock and glue that bound our family together. He was a hard worker, a provider. Providing for his family and the neighborhood. He never met a stranger, he had his door open for everybody, it was always unlocked and available to those who needed food, shelter or a warm bed.

He was respected. He made everyone feel safe. He welcomed others, without judgment or shame. He never valued material items, he placed value on greater things such as God, family, hard work, pride, and loyalty. He never turned his back on anyone seeing the good in all.

He found his true love when he was very young and despite the journeys’ life took them through; they went through life together and he ended his life with her as his one true love.

He brought his children and grandchildren to the Lord. Always making sure they made it to church on Sunday. Though he didn’t have much, he gave what he could, stopping on the way home each Friday, to get quarters so each of his grandchildren had fifty cents to place in offering on Sunday morning.

He got up early every morning before the children went to school to make them hot oatmeal, scooping in loads of hot butter and cinnamon while cheerfully singing “she wore an itsy bitsy teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini,” he was full of love and brought joy into the lives of those around him.

His daughter Carla’s favorite memory was the two of them singing a duet to the song “Sixteen Tons” he loved singing that song, often singing it while he worked, and she loved singing it with him.

He was only a phone call away and would take the time to give you step by step directions, teach you something new or just talk about the day.

He always carried a big glass of iced sweet tea, his children would ask him, “Daddy, do you need me to fill your glass? “His grandchildren would later race each other to be the one to fill that same glass, always drinking big gulps of tea from his glass before returning it.

He loved candy, especially orange slices.

He was often confused in public by other children for Santa Clause and he had a heart to match the story line. His favorite story to tell was about picking his grandson Kenney up from school, while waiting, another child excitedly exclaimed, “Its Santa!”, but when Kenney rushed around the corner, Kenney replied, “That’s just my Papa!”

He was called Daddy, Papa, Big Ben and Willie. He was proud to be a Mayfield and if you bore his name, he reminded you what it meant, to take pride in wearing it because it was given to you, and to him being a Mayfield was an honor. If you were one, you were already special from the day you were born.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Vera, Arthur, Lewis, Albert and Joe; children John Wayne; and grandchildren Traci, Ever and Peanut.

He leaves to carry on his memory the love of his life Carla Jean; children Ben Allen Mayfield & Amy Mayfield of Guthrie, OK, Carla Marie Mayfield of Cashion, OK, Vera Ann Wellner of Yukon, OK and Walter Franklin Mayfield of Cashion, OK; grandchildren Willie, Jessie, Jessica, Christina, Justin, Bodi, Matthew, Megan, Christy, Anna, Kenney; great grandchildren Liberty, Landon, Trinity, Lillyann, Jaxon, Hayden, Hunter, Serenity, Patience, Payton, Paige and sister Lonnie Marie.

Willie never met a stranger and had so many who looked up to him as a Father, who will miss him terribly. His home was a refuge and safe haven for many. His passing has left a void in the world which no one can fill.