Mary Joy Mayfield Powell
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Our mother, who touched all of our lives, passed peacefully from this earth into eternal rest on Monday evening, November 15, 2021. Mary Joy Mayfield Powell was born in Roby, Texas, on June 26, 1913, to her parents Thomas H. Mayfield and Maud Hickerson Mayfield. She was named after a beloved aunt, and her middle name "Joy" suited her personality for all of her life, as her many relatives and friends would agree. She entered into the congregation of faith as a child with a firm belief in God and His Word. Our parents were members of Southgate Church of Christ (formerly Colorado & Jackson St. Church of Christ) for many years. After her high school graduation in 1930, she attended Texas Women's College in Denton, TX. Upon returning to Roby, she was offered a job in the Abstract Office and worked in the County Clerk's office. She often remarked, "There is where I received my real education". A woman ahead of her time, she enjoyed the business world. Our mother was always on the go, taking a real estate course in her 60's, searching genealogies in her 70's, learning the computer in her 80's, enjoying Tai Chi exercise in her 90's. Her interest in learning, plus her special wayof connecting to people of all ages, kept her young at heart! We laughed when her first grandchild appropriately named her "Go-Go". In High School, she met the love of her life, Marshall Clifton Powell. It was love at first sight, as she told the story, "I don't know if I fell in love with his curly blonde hair and blue eyes or his freshly pressed pants". Five years after meeting him, they married in "the deepest part" of the Depression in 1933. As it turns out, "Maria" was the love of his life and he knew in his heart they would eventually marry. They lived and worked in Roby, Winters, San Angelo, and Los Angeles, California, setting again in San Anglo in 1950 to be closer to family and a dear sister, Ruth Wilhelm. Together, they owned and operated Modern Dry Cleaners (1918 N. Chadbourne) until they closed the doors in 1980. They lived happily in retirement turning their attention to rental properties, travel, family and friends. Our father passed away in 2003. Mother blessed us after his death for 18 more years. Starting their family in 1942, three daughters entered their union, Marsha & Edward Tharp, Patricia & Bill Woodfin, and Mary Jane, "Janie" & Bill McBride, who all now life in San Angelo. Her grandchildren are William Bentley, Charla & Brent Thomas, Christy & Kurt Kemp, Dr. Grant & Tracye Woodfin, Kindra & Lt Col Michael Barten, Gillian & Jason Hendricks, and Kemper & Helen Johnson. Grandchildren by marriage include Randy & Beckie Tharp, Robert Tharp, Lee & Dianne McBride, and Dee Ann & EJ Hernandez. At her request, her numerous great-grandchildren all call her "Grandmother" and adore her! Mary Joy has many cousins, nieces and nephews who love her dearly and bring her much joy. She has seen many of her family and friends precede her in death including her grandson, Will Bentley, and her great-grandson, Caleb Woodfin. They all held a special place in he heart. Please know that "Mother" "Grandmother" "Auntie" "Mary Joy" loved all of you very much and prayed for you often! Thank you! You know who you are, for bringing love, laughter, joy, and happiness into her life. "May her memory always be for a blessing." A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Southgate Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com