Larcine Mayfield

Mother Larcine Mayfield, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2016.
She was born on April 20, 1930 in Franklin County, GA to the late John Brooks Pinkston and the late Ida Heard-Pinkston. She married the love of her life, Deacon Hugh Mayfield, on May 10, 1953 in Franklin County, GA before relocating to North Chicago, IL. She was employed as a housekeeper, working for the same family for many years until her retirement. As a family homemaker and woman of faith, she provided a loving, nurturing environment for her family and all that entered her home.
She served Mount Sinai for over 60 years: as a member of the Choir, the Young Matrons, Ruth Circle, Hannah Circle, Senior Mission and Mother's Board. She was treasurer for the Mission ministries until 2010, and was honored for her faithfulness in an Appreciation Service, "Give Her Flowers While She Lives", in February 1998. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also worked with the church Nursing Home Ministry, Food Pantry and Crop Walk. She helped to beautify the church by planting a flower garden at the entrance and tending the plants in the sanctuary. She was also dedicated to supporting Mission ministries at other churches.
As a Deacon's wife, she lovingly prepared the linens for communion service. Along with her late husband, Deacon Hugh Mayfield, they served communion to those confined to their homes due to illness. She also attended to their personal needs by preparing meals and helping with household tasks.
As a Mother of the Church, she was honored by the United Church League Twin City Zone on April 4, 2015, for her service to the Lord and for demonstrating "Godly Wisdom and Grace".
Mother Mayfield loved people and was always willing to help. In addition to her service at Mount Sinai, she delivered meals for Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels and worked with a community organization formed to help young mothers develop essential life skills.
In the latter season of her Christian service, she was not often seen in the front lines working, but she continued to serve with a bowed head, bent knees and hands folded in prayer.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory two sons, James Johnson (Wanda) and Michael Mayfield; three daughters, Patricia Franklin (Elbert), Laverne Walker (Nathan) and Arlanda Bryant (Elbert); nine grandchildren Bridget Pulliam (Mark), Nicky Johnson, Justin Franklin, Kristina Franklin, LaWanda Shaw (Kenny), Andrea Byers (Eugene), Anthony Bryant, Natalie Walker and Marvis Mayfield (Takako); daughter-in-law Joyce Mayfield; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Willie J. Dae, Rossie McDonald and Virgie Gilliard (Edward); one brother, Lecel Pinkston (Cynthia), and a host of relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Hugh Mayfield; two sons Travis Mayfield and Steven Mayfield; one granddaughter, Yolanda Franklin; one great-granddaughter, Desire' Tard; her parents, John Brooks Pinkston and Ida Mae Pinkston, 5 brothers and two sisters.
Mother Mayfield lived her life as a woman of virtue, knowing that being virtuous was not being perfect, but instead living life with a God-driven purpose. Through her example, she encouraged others to do the same.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. ... Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:10, 30 KJV)