Lillie Mayfield
d. June 1, 2018
Lillie Elizabeth Mayfield, Cantrall, Illinois, passed from this life June 1, 2018 at the age of 83.
Lillie was born on December 26, 1934 in Springfield, IL, the only child of J. Harold Canterbury and Ina Mae Cline Canterbury. Lillie is survived by her four children: William (Cherrilyn) Mayfield, Jr., Dr. Cynthia Mayfield, Georgia Garrison, and Johnathan (Anne) Mayfield and her 6 Grandchildren: Celynn & Charles Mayfield, Joshua and Rachel Garrison, and Cassandra and Nathaniel Mayfield. She is also survived by her long time friend and dance partner, Jim Middendorf. Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Charles “Chuck” Mayfield who died tragically at the railroad crossing in Sherman in 1967.
Lillie was the Valedictorian from Athens High School in the Class of 1952. She attended MacMurray college, then transferred to the University of Illinois Urbana. Lillie received her degree in Liberal Arts, majoring in History and Geography in 1956. She taught History for one year at Auburn High School, then pursued her Master’s Degree at the U of I. Education was very important to Lillie. Lillie’s 4 children also earned degrees from the University of Illinois. Lillie’s five of the 6 grandchildren have received Bachelor’s degrees, her youngest grandchild will graduate from the University of Illinois in 2020.
Lillie was very involved in the 5th generation family farm. She developed strong friendships with the farm community, always interested in talking about the crops and markets.
She was an avid ballroom dancer and spent most Friday nights dancing with Jim Middendorf and friends. Jim has been devoted to Lillie, visiting her weekly.
Lillie was also passionate about travel, which she instilled into her family. The extended family traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Florida, and the Caribbean many times and cherished the time spent together. Dr. Cindy Mayfield also accompanied her to Australia/New Zealand, China, and Europe.
Lillie was a lifelong member of Athens Christian Church. Lillie accompanied Jean Graham on the piano for the children to sing on Sunday mornings for over 50 years. Lillie was grateful to the Athens Church family for the cards sent as her health deteriorated.
A special thank you to Sherman Villa West, Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Center, and Memorial Hospice for the wonderful care of Lillie.
Lillie waited until she was 23 to get her driver’s license, but in later years driving her car was one of her favorite past times. She drove for miles each day! In her last days, it gave her great pleasure to simply go for a ride.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018 from 4:00 until time of funeral services at 6:00 PM at the Athens Christian Church with Rev. Ken Gennicks officiating.
Burial will be held at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens.
In lieu of flowers gifts can be made to: Athens Christian Church or Lake Springfield Christian Assembly.
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Posted June 1st, 2018 at 2:20 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Rochelle
Posted June 1st, 2018 at 4:51 pm
Don and I want to extend our deepest sympathies. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted June 2nd, 2018 at 11:22 am
So very sorry for your loss. She will never be forgotten. And I’m sure she is dancing with the angels!
Posted June 2nd, 2018 at 11:41 am
I do not know Lillie’s children, but would like to give some memories of her. I was in fourth grade at Sugar Point School when Lillie started to school in the same class as my sister, Louise (now Voelker). I remember being so impressed (and jealous) because Lillie had sandwiches made with bread from the store, and all we had was homemade bread. Her Grandmother made red crepe paper hats for us for a patriotic holiday, maybe Veteran’s Day, and we marched around the room while Ina played the piano. I still have my crepe paper hat :). Ina came to school once a week, if I remember correctly, and played the piano so we could sing for a few minutes before school began.
My husband and I used to dance and remember seeing Lillie at the Twilight Ballroom at the fair.
We are not able to stand in line, so will not be coming to the funeral, but just wanted to share some of my memories. There were four of us, the Pittman girls, and Lillie enjoyed coming to our house.
Posted June 3rd, 2018 at 4:08 pm
So sorry for your lost.
Posted June 3rd, 2018 at 6:16 pm
My deepest sympathy to the entire family! The picture chosen is the way I remember Lillie… full of life and vivaciousness. It was always a treat to visit with her.
What a legacy she has left to her family and friends. Fascinating information in her obituary…a true description of Miss Lillie.
I’ve been blessed by having a special bond with your mother and family. My father, Linn Knoles, farmed many years for Lillie. She was a powerful lady!
My love and prayers for peace and comfort are being sent to everyone.
Posted June 4th, 2018 at 10:30 am
The Manes family sends our condolences to William, Johnathan, and entire Mayfield family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today, as we travel back to IL.