Willie Donnell Mayfield

Willie “Don” Mayfield was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at Butterworth Hospital to Willie and Audrey Mayfield. He was their first child and the first grandson of Augustine Sanders and Nelson Holmes.

Don was never easy—but always brilliant. Always the main character. Always notably gifted. He grew up between the homes of 906 Lafayette and 2222 Horton, where he and his childhood friends and family created lifelong memories. He was proud of where he came from and cherished the relationships he built along the way.

From an early age, Don was a member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Clifton Rhodes. He wasn’t just a Sunday churchgoer—he studied the Word. With his incredible memory, he recited scripture at holidays and special services. His relationship with God and his understanding of scripture were evident even as a child.

Don attended and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, where he proudly served as Vice President of the Class of 1988. It was during this time that he met Dionne Mayfield, who would later become his wife and the mother of his children. They then moved to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Education and began his family.

Don later purchased his first home and returned to Grand Rapids, where he became an educator with Grand Rapids Public Schools, specializing in special education. Don's connection with his students was contagious. During his time with GRPS, he created an innovative before- and after-school program called 21st Century, designed to eliminate barriers for families. The program was later adopted by both GRPS and Kentwood Public Schools and continues today under the names ARCH and LOOP. During his time with schools, he also taught family wellness to families needing assistance with living healthier lifestyles. 

Outside of his professional life, Don was creative at heart. He and his brother Paul formed a group called The Defiant Ones, combining Don’s impeccable writing and poetry with music produced by his brother and cousin, Christopher Farr. Their work took them as far as California, where they performed their words on stage. Don also wrote children’s books, thought-provoking poetry, and unforgettable comedy.

His gift for writing led him to deliver the keynote address at his master’s-level graduation from Grand Valley State University—an honor typically reserved for university leaders or distinguished guests. Don nailed it.

Don was a teacher. A provider. A master at marinating and barbecuing with love. A present and consistent father. A writer. A dreamer. A grandson and son. A brother deeply adored. A die hard MSU and Dallas cowboy fan.  No one can have it all, but Don’s many gifts made it clear he was one of God’s favorites. His gifts, his jokes, his laughter, and his love will live on forever.

Willie was preceded in death by his grandparents Augustine Sanders, Nelson Holmes, Elizabeth & John Henry Mayfield; his aunts Geraldine Tillman and Evelyn Doss; Uncle William Mayfield, Harvey Knox, and his beloved grandson, A’Kylin Mayfield.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents Willie & Audrey Mayfield; his only brother Paul “Fruit” Mayfield; his children Donnell Mayfield and Nakiah (Eddy) Jose; his sister-in-love Carmen Darrough; niece and nephew Paul and Nyeem Mayfield; granddaughter Alayah Nicks, Fiancé Nicele Kline, and bonus granddaughter Rylee; his favorite cousins Nova Darrough and Devon Doss, special aunts Conella Knox, Shirly Mayfield, Georgia Farr and and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends who loved him deeply.