Joan Lorraine Townsend Mayfield, 79, of Georgetown, South Carolina, took her last breath on earth and her first breath in Heaven on January 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on October 10, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Victor and Sarah Townsend.
The Lord blessed Joan and James Mayfield with 49 years of marriage and ten children. Their home was filled with love as they raised seven daughters and three sons: Martha Mayfield-Hoyns; James L. Mayfield III (Susanne); Debra Reed; Gordon Mayfield (Julie); Joan Damon (Paul); Regina Todd (Gary); Saralynn Smith (Jason); Jessie Earnest; Wesley Mayfield (Dena); and Barbara Mayfield (Gene).
In their later years, Joan and James found great joy in their roles as Nanny and Poppy to nineteen grandchildren and Ne Ne to many great-grandchildren. Through her marriage to James, Joan was also blessed with two bonus sisters, Vieva Smoak and Billie Ann Mayfield.
Joan exemplified a loving servant’s heart to everyone she met. She never met a stranger and never looked down on anyone. As a wife and mother, she faithfully balanced working hard as the manager of the Maryville Red and White, raising her children, and caring for others with consistency and grace. Her generosity was evident in the way she gave freely to those in need, even when it meant she went without herself.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Mayfield; her parents, Victor and Sarah Townsend; and her sisters, Barbara Townsend and Elaine Townsend.
Joan’s life was a testimony of love, humility, faith, and service. Her legacy will continue to live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Monday at Ridgeway Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Tidelands Community Hospice or to Martha’s House.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ridgewayfh.com
Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more