Visit Panola County Cemeteries at: Cemeteries of Texas
The Shreveport Times
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Mary 'Winkie' Mayfield
Old Union Cemetery, Catuna
CATUNA, LA - Mary Frances Mayfield, 67, went home to the Lord on Monday May 4, 2009 at her home in Catuna, Louisiana. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 11 A.M. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from five until eight o'clock. Burial will be at Old Union Cemetery in Catuna. Reverend Jimmy Price, and Reverend Kenneth Norris will officiate the funeral, and Mary Frances' brother, Father Milton F. Ryan, C.M. will preside over the graveside service.
"Winkie", to all who knew her, was born on November 6th, 1941 to Milton and Dorothy (Anderson) Ryan in Mansfield, Louisiana. She graduated from Mansfield High School in 1959. After graduating secretarial school in Shreveport she worked for the Department of Welfare in Mansfield. She and Jerry were married May 12, 1960 by Reverend Jim Myers in Pelican Louisiana. They made their home in Catuna where they have lived for 49 years. Jerry's life work in the oil business and Winkie's gifts as a homemaker, devoted wife and mother have brought them much success and satisfaction. God has truly blessed them.
Winkie and Jerry are members of the Benson Baptist Church. The church's prayers, compassion, and support have given her strength for her journey to heaven, and have helped her family to persevere. She was consoled and encouraged by the hundreds of cards and letters she received from her brother, Fr. Milton's parish in Perryville, Missouri.
Jerry's love for Winkie found it's fullest expression during her illness-he never left her side. Their love for one another showed itself in this: they were there for each other in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until death. Winkie now joins her parents, Milton and Dorothy Ryan and dear sister Patricia Annette Finch in heaven where there is no more suffering, no more sadness, and every tear is wiped away.
Winkie precedes in death her husband of 49 years, Jerry Lynn Mayfield of Mansfield; son, Michael Kevin Mayfield of Mansfield; daughter, Frances Lynn Love and husband Danny of Stanley; Two beloved granddaughters, Jessica Love of Stanley; Jamie Love of Shreveport; brother Father Milton F. Ryan, C.M. of St. Louis, Missouri; sister in law Linda Rhea, and husband Richard of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister-in-law, Cooter Mayfield of Mansfield; brother in law, William (Dub) Finch of Belcher; Aunt, Elaine Billingsley and husband Ralph of Gloster, Louisiana; two uncles Don Anderson and wife Ronnie of Allentown Pennsylvania; and John Harold Anderson and wife Naomi of Port Allen, Louisiana; and a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family.
Pall bearers for the funeral are Greg Armour, Ray Ryan, Steve Hubbard, Joe Garcia, Bill Hamilton, and Robert Finch. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Ryan, William "Dub" Finch, Troy Parker, Kevin Meshell, Jeff Hicks and Don Walker.
The family would like to thank Gary Burton, M.D. Oncologist, and members of his staff, Julie Evans, and Gina Phillips, and we are grateful to Nell Norwood and her team from Superior Hospice. The ministry and care given by Eliza Oakley, Edna Hamilton, and Shronda Hamilton will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers memorials and donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or DeSoto Regional Cancer Foundation.
A woman of faith, hope, and love, Winkie knew the greatest gift is love. She spent her life loving and caring for her family. One day we shall joyfully greet her again. May the angels lead you into paradise, sweet wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield Chapel 318-872-4660