Celebrating the life of
Bettye Mayfield
August 26, 1928 - November 11, 2007
Savannah, GA-Bettye Hendon Mayfield, well known for her 25 years of service in the District Attorney's office died at St. Joseph's Hospital on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at age 79 after a long illness.
A native of Wedowee, Alabama, Mrs. Mayfield attended Auburn University, married Euclid Gay Mayfield and spent the majority of her life in Savannah. After the premature death of her husband, Mrs. Mayfield went to work with Chatham County in the Office of the District Attorney. She rose to the position of Assistant to the Chatham County District Attorney and retired in 1993 after 25 years of service.
She served under three District Attorney's during her long tenure, Andrew J. Ryan, Jr., Andrew J."Bubsy" Ryan, III as well as the current District Attorney, Spenser Lawton who said upon her retirement that she was "impossible to replace." He went on to say she was "literally an institution. No one in public service is more widely respected than she is." She was known for her unflinching loyalty to the purpose of the office of the District Attorney and for the efficient way she ran that office. Mrs. Mayfield was also recognized at one point in her career as one of the most prominent businesswomen in Savannah. She was also known for her integrity, kindness and generosity of spirit. She was so revered by her colleagues and friends that her retirement was featured on the front page of the Savannah Morning News.
After retirement, she gave unselfishly of her time to various volunteer work including Memorial Hospital and Memorial Baptist Church. A devoted member of Memorial Baptist, Mrs. Mayfield was one of the first women elected to the Board of Deacons. When not volunteering, Mrs. Mayfield spent time with her family and friends as well as her hobby, horticulture; creating and maintaining a beautiful garden.
She is survived by her twin sister, Virginia Hendon of Opelika, Alabama; a son, E. Gay and his wife Phyllis of Savannah; a son Joe Griffin and his wife Beth of Gainesville; a son Jim of Jacksonville, FL and a son Jack of Charleston, SC and four granddaughters.
Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 14th at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Services for Betty Hendon Mayfield will be held on Thursday, November 15th at Memorial Baptist Church on Habersham Street.
Pall bearers will be E. Gay Mayfield, Joe Mayfield, Jack Mayfield, John Hood, Jules "Bubba" Victor, Charlie Jordan and Leon Griffin.
Remembrances to Memorial Baptist Church, 6500 Habersham Street, Savannah, GA 31405.
Gay, I read about your mother's death with much sadness. Even though we have lost contact over these many years since Wilder a lifetime ago, I often saw your mother at the courthouse. We would always stop and chat. When I would ask about you, she would always talk about you with and your family with such pride. I don't know if she ever gave you my messages. She was a wonderful as well as capable woman who will be sorely missed. Please accept my sincere condolences. Alan
- Alan Lowe, Savannah, GA
Mrs Mayfield was such a great lady, so sorry to hear of her death. Your Mother will be greatly missed.Thinking of you all from Rose,Lukie,Patty, and Larry
- Larry Sims, Social Circle, GA
Bettye was a wonderful friend and encourager. I will always remember here efforts on behalf of Memorial and will treasure the memories. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family.
- Jack Childs, Savannah, GA
With Sincere Sympathy. Jim Gross Unfortunately, I did not know about Bettye's death in time to make it to the service at Memorial it was 15 before 11 when I learned of the time of the service--from Fox & Weeks' web-site.
- Jim Gross, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry. May God Bless all of you.
- vic Miltiades, dacula, GA
It was a pleasure and an honor to know Ms. Mayfield. I, like other staff members at Savannah Commons, miss her and extend sympathy to all of her family members and friends.
- Leah Kidwell, Savannah, GA
She was a very special person who will be sadly missed. Claude & Ginger Shore
- Claude & Ginger Shore, Savannah, GA
A very great lady; those of us who knew her profited greatly by her kindness and unselfish caring during times of need. To say Bettye will be missed is an understatement.
- Joseph R. Herring, Savannah, GA
My thoughts are with the family. Joe Newman
- Joe Newman, Savannah, GA
Gay, I read about your mother's death with much sadness. Even though we have lost contact over these many years since Wilder a lifetime ago, I often saw your mother at the courthouse. We would always stop and chat. When I would ask about you, she would always talk about you with and your family with such pride. I don't know if she ever gave you my messages. She was a wonderful as well as capable woman who will be sorely missed. Please accept my sincere condolences. Alan
- Alan Lowe, Savannah, GA
Mrs Mayfield was such a great lady, so sorry to hear of her death. Your Mother will be greatly missed.Thinking of you all from Rose,Lukie,Patty, and Larry
- Larry Sims, Social Circle, GA
Bettye was a wonderful friend and encourager. I will always remember here efforts on behalf of Memorial and will treasure the memories. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family.
- Jack Childs, Savannah, GA
With Sincere Sympathy. Jim Gross Unfortunately, I did not know about Bettye's death in time to make it to the service at Memorial it was 15 before 11 when I learned of the time of the service--from Fox & Weeks' web-site.
- Jim Gross, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry. May God Bless all of you.
- vic Miltiades, dacula, GA
It was a pleasure and an honor to know Ms. Mayfield. I, like other staff members at Savannah Commons, miss her and extend sympathy to all of her family members and friends.
- Leah Kidwell, Savannah, GA
She was a very special person who will be sadly missed. Claude & Ginger Shore
- Claude & Ginger Shore, Savannah, GA
A very great lady; those of us who knew her profited greatly by her kindness and unselfish caring during times of need. To say Bettye will be missed is an understatement.
- Joseph R. Herring, Savannah, GA
My thoughts are with the family. Joe Newman
- Joe Newman, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
