Mr. John Reese Mayfield Jr.

John R. Mayfield, Jr. was born September 12, 1936, in the small town of Hamlin, Texas, to the late John R. Mayfield, Sr. and Theresa Johnson Mayfield. They had no way of knowing he would impact the life of so many people. John accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized with the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hamlin, Texas. It was then that he became involved in working in the church. John was proud to say he served as Deacon of Saint Matthews Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas from 1976 until he relocated to Houston, Texas in 2008. After moving to Houston, John united with the Windsor Village United Methodist Church. He was a faithful member until death. John’s early education was in Hamlin, Texas, where he graduated from Oscar DePriest High School. After graduation, John enrolled in Texas Southern University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. After graduation he served in the United States Military. Upon returning home he began his career at his high school Alma Mater, Oscar DePreist High School as a Physical Education Teacher/Coach where he met the love of his life, Billie, as they vied for the tournament win. Later, he obtained his Master’s Degree from Prairie View A&M University, and certification in Administration from the University Of Texas Permian Basin, in Odessa, Texas. John was a trailblazer in his educational career. He became the first black administrator in Ector County Independent School District. His career in Ector County ISD included, Principal of Gonzales Elementary School, Vice Principal of both Ector High School and Odessa High School. He had a heart and love for educating children. He retired from education after 40 years of service. After retirement he served as a mentor for several employees from foreign countries assisting in learning and understanding the English language and as an alternative certification supervisor for alternative certification teachers. John had a passion for wanting to help others. He was soft spoken, strong, had a solemn sense of humor, and giving. He was a member of the Odessa Kiwanis Club, member of the Grand Masonic Lodge, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, served on the Odessa Head Start Board of Directors and enjoyed the time spent with the ROMEO group. On August 8, 1964, John married the love of his life, Billie Joyce Collier in Tyler, Texas. He gave an enormous amount of love, care, laughs, stories and support to everything related to this union which was also reciprocated. They did not complete each other, but rather complemented one another. The inseparable couple enjoyed traveling and entertaining. As an outward expression of their love, God blessed their union with two beautiful children John R. Mayfield, III and Joycelyn Y. Mayfield Wade. On April 26, 2023, The Father decided to call our earthly angel to his heavenly home. While we do not understand why, we must remember that he lived a full life and accomplished what he was sent here to do. John showed us all how to live life to the fullest. We can be brave, create our own paths, love one another wholeheartedly, and let our lights shine as bright as John’s. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Theresa Mayfield, Sr., his wife, Billie Collier Mayfield; sisters: Venita Brown and Betty Smith; brothers, Louis Calvin Brown and William Henry Brown. He leaves to mourn his passing, his children: John R. Mayfield III (Michelle), Joycelyn Mayfield Wade, brother, David R. Brown (Shirley) of McKinney, Texas, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, first cousins: Ownazee Mason, Jack Breedlove, and Willie Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. While this time may seem dark, we must remember the ever-shining light of John’s life. We may weep because he is no longer here, but we can also smile because he lived.

Mr. John Reese Mayfield Jr.

September 12, 1936 - April 26, 2023