Becky Ann Mayfield's Obituary
Becky Ann Clark Mayfield, 72, of Effingham, Illinois passed away peacefully at her home on November 23, 2016; in her final hours, she was surrounded by her husband, brother, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who shared memories of how her life has deeply impacted theirs.
Becky requested only a simple memorial, so a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 26 from 5:00 – 6:00pm where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and stories of Becky, followed by a casual visitation from 6:00 – 7:30pm at Hohlt and File Funeral Home, 204 N. 4th Street, Vandalia, Illinois 62471. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Compassion International, Effingham Freedom House, or Meals on Wheels.
Becky was born February 1, 1944, in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Clark. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael Mayfield, on April 8, 1962. She worked and eventually retired from General Electric in Mattoon, Illinois.
Becky loved her family extravagantly and was involved daily in the lives of her grandchildren near and far. She spent her retired years “never missing a heartbeat” in her grandchildren’s lives, being there for each birth and graduation, attending sporting events, competitions & activities, taking them for walks and explorations in the woods, and creating traditions such as morning donuts and scavenger hunts; she encouraged them to travel the world. She was recently the “flower girl” at her grandson’s wedding and threw rose petals to the applause of the guests in attendance. She enjoyed the company of many close friends who traveled abroad, shared Friday night dinners and rode bikes together; she was always available for spur-of-the-moment pancakes at Denny’s. Her daughters sought her counsel regularly and considered their mom a most trusted confidant. Her impact in this world extended not only to family and friends, but also to strangers. Becky regularly provided help and housing to the homeless, gave groceries and paid bills for the less fortunate and was called “mom” by those in whom she invested her life.
Becky is survived by her husband Mike, of Effingham; three daughters Paula Schea & her husband Peter Freimanis of Albuquerque, NM; Amy Mayfield of Effingham; Dana & her husband Jason Warner of Vandalia; a close, younger brother Roger & his wife Peggy Clark of Vandalia; 10 grandchildren, Jake, Luke, Ella & Sofija Freimanis of Albuquerque; Laine, Devin & Logann Mayfield and their father, who was like a son to Becky, Kevin Pocrnich of Effingham; Emma, Hannah & Isabel Warner of Vandalia, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Margaret Clark and sister, Paula Jean. Prior to her death, Becky said that she was looking forward to seeing her family who’s gone before her, but that nothing will compare to seeing the glory of God.
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