Willis Mayfield

Rev. Willis E. Mayfield, 86, of Zion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, at Rolling Hills Manor Nursing Home in Zion. Willis was born February 6, 1921, in Zion, IL, and graduated from Waukegan High School. He married Edith Warren on May 31, 1940, in Zion. Willis attended Bob Jones University and Goshen College, earned a BA in business from Lake Forest College, a BA in music from Central Conservatory of Chicago, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Georgia State University. He served in the United States Navy in World War II on the U.S.S. Vincennes in the battle of Midway in the Pacific. While serving in the Navy Reserves after the war, he was called by the U.S. Army to form and direct the 85th Infantry Division Army Band. Reverend Mayfield loved his country and served in the military for 45 years. He also had a love for the ministry, serving as Assistant Pastor at Grace Missionary Church in Zion and Gratiot Avenue Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. The Lord then called him to work at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, beginning as a Field Representative and faithfully serving the Institute for 20 years. He was appointed Director of Broadcasting at MBI, and under his leadership WMBI expanded to become the strongest influence in Christian radio broadcasting. Reverend Mayfield was named Vice-President of Development under Dr. William Culbertson, and he traveled the U.S and the world representing MBI, helping to strengthen the Institute's influence worldwide. After his retirement from MBI, he became Executive Director of the W.J. Bicket Foundation in Zion, providing his services as Chaplain to the city of Zion. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Edith; sister, Ruth Neal of Davis CA; three children, Larry (Diane) Mayfield of Brentwood, TN, Tim (Teddy) Mayfield of Escondido, CA, and Marcia (Mark) Twadell of Beach Park, IL; eight grandchildren, Tracie Mayfield Jeff(Kristen)Mayfield, Shelley Mayfield ,Jon (Grace)Mayfield, Toby (Tani)Mayfield, Tracy (Jason)Young, Brian (Kelly) Twadell, and Megan Twadell; eight great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Jean Ames and Anne Lacy He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harry and Flossie Mayfield. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 8, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Missionary Church, 1415 27th St., Zion. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Visitation will be Monday, from 9:00 a. m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Grace Missionary Church.