Ruth Ellen Mayfield

Ruth Ellen Johnson Mayfield was born on August 18, 1943, in Cairo, Illinois, to the late Bessie and Calvin Johnson. On February 25, 2026, she peacefully transitioned from this life in Antioch, Tennessee, under the loving care of her devoted daughter, Deborah Harris.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Durby, two children, Martha Ann and Stanja and her parents, Bessie and Calvin.

Ruth was the youngest daughter of thirteen siblings, eleven who also preceded her in death.

She was a proud graduate of Sumner High School, Class of 1959, in Cairo, Illinois. She received her Associate Degree from Shawnee College and her Bachelor's in Science in Education from SIU-C.

Ruth dedicated her life to teaching, mentoring, and educating the youth for over forty years. She was a true definition of a "door keeper", always greeting others with warmth, kindness, and a welcoming spirit at her church, First Missionary Baptist, where she served in the capacity as President of the Usher Board, Church Treasurer and other auxiliaries. Her commitment to her community extended to her beloved Cairo Pilots basketball team, where she served faithfully as a valued Booster Club Member, giving countless hours to ensure the team's success.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory five loving children, Felicia Mayfield, of Antioch, TN, Durrenda (Kenny) Johnson, of Cairo,IL, Deborah Harris (Leon Aveary), of Antioch, TN, Latorius (Trina) Mayfield, of Cairo, IL, and Demetrica (Tony) Thompson, of Antioch, TN. She also leaves her youngest brother, Thomas (Stephanie) Johnson, of Chicago, IL and three half-sisters, Doris McGee, Darlene Fleming, and Joyce Richardson, all of East Chicago, Indiana. Ruth's heart overflowed with love for her 14 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren. She held a special bond with her granddaughter's Kristine Mayfield-Martin and Brittany Harris, of Antioch, TN, loving Nephews and Nieces, Marcia

Johnson, of Chicago, IL, Wesley Wilson, of Mound City, IL, Thomas Wilson, of Louisville, KY, Linda Wade, of Peoria, IL, Patricia Baker, of New Albane, IN and special friends, Peggy Storey and Launa Lewis. Her memories and love will also be cherished by all of her nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends.

Ruth Ellen Johnson Mayfield lived a life rooted in faith, service and unconditional love. Her legacy will continue through the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the family she nurtured with her whole heart. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."- Matthew 19:26

Service for Ruth E. Mayfield will take place on Saturday March 14, 2026 at Cairo Jr./Sr. High School @ 1:00 P.M. Visitation is scheduled to begin @12:00 P.M. until the funeral hour. Funeral service will begin @ 1:00 P.M. with Deacon Wesley Wilson Officiating. Internment will take place on Monday March 16, 2026 @11:00 A.M. at the Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, IL.

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Serving Illinois, Missouri, & Kentucky Est. 2000

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