Joseph Rex Mayfield

SUNRISE: APRIL 12, 1946

SUNSET: SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

John 15:12-14 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

The heavens opened when the Lord blessed the union of Paul and Rosie Lee Mayfield with their first child together and first-born son, Joe Rex Mayfield. Joe was born on April 12, 1946, in Lake, Mississippi. He grew up as a country boy until 1954 when Paul moved his family to Palm Springs, CA to live a more fruitful and adventurous life.

Joe accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age and was a member of Ajalon Baptist Church. He attended school in Palm Springs, CA and graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1964. While in school, Joe worked at Market Basket grocery store which enabled him to buy nice cars that he cherished. He attended College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA. He then met and married his beautiful bride, Leury Pipkins on October 30, 1965. In doing so, he became a father to a new step-son Tracy Scott Walls. Joining shortly thereafter were two daughters, Joy Renee and Lynetta Rochelle. Joe excelled as a life insurance salesman to support his young family. He was a true big brother to his sibling exposing them to greater opportunities outside of their small town. Joe Mayfield was a family man.

Joe had a friend Pastor Bill Johnson that moved to Portland Oregon. As a young man and seeing the opportunity to build a prosperous life for his family, like his parents, Joe uprooted and moved to Portland, OR. He there raised and grew his family adding a son Joseph Paul and James Lewis. Joe Mayfield was a progressive man.

Joe was very well known in the community. He was the owner of Knott Street Groceries and Restaurant and Scooter’s Market. In his latter years, he worked as a Diesel Mechanic and later retired from the Food Distribution industry. He indeed was a mover and a shaker and great at keeping his mind busy. His saying was “If you ain’t talking business, you ain’t talking sense." Through his success, he afforded multiple family members the opportunity to move to Portland, God’s Country as he would call it, and create a better life for themselves. This gave him pleasure. Joe Mayfield was a provider.

Joe loved to socialize and educate in business. He loved to talk smack, tell it like it was, barbecue, fish, travel, sports, read history novels, etc. Joe Mayfield kept you on your toes.

He loved children and exposing them to life’s possibilities to pursue and to believe in themselves. He always had encouraging words and advise to upgrade a life. Joe and Leury took in 2 foster boys, the homeless, the helpless and was a literal hero to many. He was a strong father figure to young children and young men, nieces, nephews and cousins in times when their fathers were not present. Joe Mayfield was a life changer.

On September 14, 2023, we were saddened by the tragic news of this amazing life. He transitioned to join the heavenly hosts and other family members. Joe was preceded in death by his father Paul, and mother Rosie Lee, 4 brothers; Willie C, Paul Jr., James Edward and Michael Mayfield; 2 sisters Marvella Mitchell and Dorothy Diane Tucker. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Leury Mayfield; his legacy of 5 children: Tracy Scott Walls, Joy Renee Mayfield, Lynetta Rochelle Mayfield, Joseph Paul Mayfield and James Lewis. Also treasured are James Andre Mayfield, a nephew he cultivated as his very own and Garrett Perry who was also like a son. They all continue to reside in Portland today. Joe was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren all calling him Daddy Joe. His siblings: 1 brother, Ben Mayfield (Cora) of Riverside, CA, 2 sisters Betty Taylor (Richard) of Riverside, CA and Debra Mayfield of Palm Springs, CA. will never forget their rock of a big brother. His many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and life-long friends will always remember his antics and the way he made them smile. He will be dearly missed and remembered by all. Joe Mayfield was a loved man.

John 21:16 He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? He said unto him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love you. He said unto him, Feed my sheep.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Zeller Chapel Of The Roses FH, 2107 NE BROADWAY ST, PORTLAND, OR 97232. A funeral service will occur Monday, October 2, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cornerstone Community COGIC, 2216 NE Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97211.