Earllena Mayfield

Our beloved sister Earllena Mayfield departed this life early on November 23, 2024. She was born to the loving parents of Doris and Willena Mayfield on June 29, 1949, in Toccoa, Georgia. She was preceded in death by both parents and three of four siblings, respectfully Jessie Lee Mayfield-Gathany, James Henry Mayfield and Robert Guynell Mayfield. Earllena was a proud member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and began her early education at Whitman Street school from the first through the twelfth grades. While at Whitman Street High School, she participated in the marching band playing the clarinet and became a majorette briefly before graduating in 1967. Soon after that, she attended a fashion modeling school in Miami, Florida. After completing fashion school, she moved to New York where she became employed at a magazine publishing company giving her the opportunity to travel throughout the region. Earllena returned home to Toccoa where she perfected the many skills acquired from her parents such as cooking, gardening, sewing, and auto mechanics as well as refining her interests in art and design. In the late 70’s, Earllena became employed at Milliken, a local textile manufacturing plant where she worked as a supervisor and machine mechanic. During this time, she became a chartered member of Aquarius Chapter #334 of Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star. This membership provided her many opportunities for travel throughout the United States and the Bahamas. In the early 1980’s, Earllena moved to Atlanta, initially working in security at Jackson-Hartsfield Airport while pursuing opportunities in the fashion industry. Her diligence proved successful by becoming the manager of Tall Fashions. In performing her managerial duties there, she modeled the clothing for their commercial advertisements, fulfilling her fashion modeling dreams. She continued her fashion industry journey for nearly 3 decades. In 1986, Earllena met and married the love of her life, Bobby H. Green. They loved each other dearly for over 15 years until his sudden death on December 24, 2001. Earllena was blessed to be able to move her mother into her home after suffering a stroke and provided care to her. During this time, her niece, Tahirah moved in to assist with the caregiving responsibilities until her mother’s death in November of 2007. Soon afterwards, her younger brother, Robert, joined her household while being treated for a prolonged illness that ended his life in October of 2018. While grieving the death of her brother, Earllena suffered a life altering stroke the morning after Thanksgiving of the same year. In March of 2019, she also experienced the death of her oldest sister, Jessie. Following months of extensive post-stroke care and physical therapy, Earllena recovered well enough to return to her home in Fairburn living with assistive care for nearly five years until her death on November 23, 2024, after a three-week stay in the hospital. Earllena lived her life devoted to all whom she loved and cared about exemplifying her virtue of being a nurturer with a heart of gold and always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Through her many awesome talents, Earllena will always be remembered for her flare for cooking and being an excellent host for family and dear friends. Earllena leaves one remaining sister, Mary Jo Young, of Newnan, Georgia, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends to cherish her memory. AcknowledgementsThe family of Earllena Mayfield would like to express our sincere appreciation for the cards, flowers, and the many acts of kindness shown to us at this time of bereavement. May God bless you and your families.