Eva Jean Mayfield

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Eva Jean Mayfield, 92, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on August 3, 2024, after a prolonged illness. Born on January 28, 1932, in Louisburg, Kansas, she was the daughter of Ersel and Mary Mapes. Eva Jean's early years were spent in Kansas, Iowa, and Texas before she eventually settled in Missouri. She graduated from Joplin High School in the Class of 1950.

Eva Jean began her career as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone in the late 1950s, a role that required her to personally connect calls for customers. She continued with the company until the early 1980s when it was acquired by AT&T, leading to her retirement.

A devoted member of her faith community, Eva Jean was involved in several local churches throughout her life. She was a long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City, where her husband served as a deacon. She later became a member of First Baptist Church of Oronogo, where her son pastored, and most recently, Blake Baptist Church, until her health no longer permitted her attendance.

Eva Jean met Jerry L. Mayfield Sr., and they married on April 20, 1951. Together, they had two children: Jerry L. Mayfield Jr. and Jeanie Lynn Wilkinson. Her love for her family was profound and unwavering.

She was a cherished grandmother to John, Sarah, Ryan, Joy, Matthew, and Jennifer, and enjoyed the company of her great-grandchildren. Her family fondly remembers her for the incredible Sunday dinners she prepared and her legendary love for ice cream.

Eva Jean's legacy includes her laughter, selflessness, and unwavering support for those in need. Over her lifetime, she served in numerous church roles, including teaching Sunday School, Training Union, and Vacation Bible School. She was also an active member of various church choirs.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Mayfield, her son-in-law Paul Wilkinson, her parents Ersel and Mary Mapes, and her sisters Maxine Jeffers, Ersie Hamlin, Nina Smith, and Nancy Jones.

Eva Jean is survived by her son Jerry Mayfield (Mary), daughter Jeanie Wilkinson, six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2024 at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with her son, Jerry Mayfield officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are John Mayfield, Matthew Wilkinson, Isaac Wilson, Tucker Wilson, Jackson Wilkinson and Stanley Pendergrass. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Memorials are being directed to Samaritan’s Purse and contributions may be left at the mortuary. Arrangements are under the care of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.