Florence Ethel Mayhew

On December 7, 2024, at the age of 87, our Father in Heaven called his precious daughter, Florence Mayhew, home to His kingdom to be fully restored. There is praise and relief in knowing her suffering is over and joy in knowing she has been happily reunited with so many of her loved ones.

Florence came into this world on October 21, 1937, at home in Meyersville, DeWitt County, Texas. She was the second born child to Jerome Anton Gawlik and Ruby Opal Baker Gawlik.

Florence grew up on a very modest farm in Cuero, Texas. At a young age she learned by example from her loving and caring parents how to work very hard and to be responsible for the bare necessities of daily life. At the young age of 13, her mother was hospitalized. In Florence’s own words, “I was placed in charge of the home, my two younger brothers and 3-year-old sister for those 2 and a half months. I cleaned, cooked, killed and butchered chickens we’d raised, churned the butter, baked, washed (old fashioned wringer washer) and hung the clothes, ironed, and in general took care of most of Mother’s duties inside the home.” Her beautiful gifts of compassion, honesty, and caring for those in need were handed down by her parents.

Prior to graduating high school, Florence was a member of the Junior Catholic Daughters, took piano lessons, excelled in speech and drama classes, and won awards for her writings. She loved to dance and was good at it. She enjoyed attending local “garage dances” with her brother, Jerome, and friends. According to her, “I almost never sat out a dance.” After graduating from Cuero High School, Florence attended Southwest Texas State University, Victoria College, and, later in life, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Florence’s professional career began in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Clark County Child Welfare Department as a typist. From there, she spent eight years with the Eighth Judicial District Court, Child Custody Division. Finally, the remainder of her career was spent serving many roles and responsibilities in District Court Administration. Some of these included: secretary to twelve judges, payroll manager for almost 100 employees, probate secretary, and finally as Office Manager of Court Administration until her retirement.

Florence and her first husband, Dallas Carlile, brought three children into this world: their son Michael and twin daughters, Linda and Laurie. After her marriage to Dallas ended, Florence was a single mother for many years and worked very hard to provide for and meet the needs of her children. Her work in this department was challenging, tireless, and most admirable.

When she married Julius Mayhew on December 18, 1988, Florence’s life was forever changed. As she put it, “They broke the mold when Jule was born.” Together, they experienced so much joy, fun and love! They cherished spending time with family in Las Vegas, New York, and Florida. Their fun included bowling, golfing, and playing cards with friends, attending both political and career events, watching their grandkids grow up, and traveling the world.

After Jule’s passing in 2016, Florence spent the remainder of her years in St. George, UT near her daughters. She enjoyed dinners and laughing with her grandkids, spent time in her garden, joined and participated in adventures with the Red Hat Society, and shared precious time with her family, both near and far.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Ruby Gawlik; brothers, Jerome (Joetta), Walter (JoAnn), and Arthur Bert Gawlik; and husband, Julius Mayhew. She is survived by her children, Michael Carlile, Laurie Silvaggio (David), and Linda Bush (Brent); stepchildren, Donna Lucey (Michael), Steve Mayhew (Toni Ann); sister, Elaine Aldridge (David, dec.), sister-in-law, Barbara Gawlik; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of Florence’s life on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV. Committal service at Palm Mortuary at 1:00 p.m.