Hey buddy, just wanted to let you know that manatees are no longer on the extinction list! Hope that puts a smile on your face! 

You were the first boy I ever loved and I will never forget how excited I would be just to know I would see you at school every day, and it was only middle school, haha! 
I still think of you often and probably always will. I was so lucky to know you and I'm crushed that you're gone. I found out last year and just now felt the obligation to thank you for everything you did for me when we were young. 

Rest in Power my friend.

I just read my Fall/Winter Westminster Magazine. Since I'm now retired, I had not heard the sad news of Mark's passing. My memories of a happy, mischievous Mark in Junior High as well as on AQT are strong; what a dear young man. I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to teach both of your sons. May comfort and peace be yours daily as you navigate this hard, hard first year without Mark.

Paula Watson
Retired English Teacher
Westminster Junior High

Dear Bill and Shirley,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We remember Mark fondly from freshman year at USC.
Diana and Benny Kanter
Brussels, Belgium

Bill, Shirley and Brett and  all other loving grieving family and friends of Mark,
My heart aches for all of you.!  I only had the opportunity to meet Mark in 1997 when I spent a few days at the Mayfield home while attending a conference in Atlanta. Mark and Brett were kind, sweet, polite, caring handsome boys. The first night I was there Mark brought into my bedroom some stuffed animals and asked if I would like to sleep with one. Such a sweet kind hearted boy. 
I live in California so did not have the pleasure of watching the boys grow up in person, but saw it thru pictures and stories from his proud parents!
You are in my Heart, Thoughts continuously, and Prayers!
Carrie Muntz

Such a sweet young man, whom we knew from theater productions at Westminster. My family sends your family our deepest sympathies.  --Kathleen, Jeff, Ben & Rosalee Lewis

Dear Mayfield's,

Our hearts go out to your family during this difficult time. We cannot even imagine the heartache that you are all going through at this moment. We are always here for you. We will always remember Mark for his constant smile, positive outlook on life, and kindness.

With love,
The Woo Family

To the entire Mayfield family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.  Mark was a kind and gentle young man, and I enjoyed knowing him.  
My family and I are praying for Mark and the Mayfield family.
           ~Paul Black

Dr.Mayfield...I am a patient of yours from Big Canoe and only see you yearly, but you saved me from cancer.  While searching the AJC today for a friend's obit, I came across Mark's picture and knew immediately he must your son.  Although I never met Mark, his picture radiates your genes and the love you give to your patients and your life's work.  I, too, know the great void and grief that ensues with losing a child.....especially one with such talent and promise as the messages about Mark depict.   Please know that I share in the grief of your loss and have you and your family in my heart and in my prayers...Mary Lou Northcutt

We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious son.  We both remember him so fondly.  He will always have a special place in our hearts, as will each of you.  Please know you are surrounded by love during this difficult time.

Westminster Troop 197  was Mark's  Scout troop  years ago [ and Brett's ].   We remember and appreciate the participation of the Mayfield family in our Troop  during that time  and are saddened to hear the news.                  Bill Eidson ASM

Bill, so sorry to hear about Mark.  I'm praying for strength and understanding for the times to come.  I wish I could be there today. Please give Joan my condolences.

Teena Kenimer Sales

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bill - Please know that Valerie and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We were terribly sad to hear of this tragic loss. We pray for God's peace and comfort for you and your family, and that time will at least somewhat heal this terrible hurt. Although we did not know Mark, it is clear from all that is written and from his picture that he was an exceptionally talented, gifted, and handsome young man.

I am saddened by your loss.  My prayers are for you and your family to find strength to endure this difficult time and comfort from your sorrow.

Nothing I can say here will begin to do Mark justice. He was, to put it simply, an incredible human being. He gave me his friendship when I didn't deserve it, but needed it the most. He loved me unconditionally and taught me just how much I had to offer the world. Together the two of us navigated some of the most difficult years of any person's life, and I will never forget what he taught me about love, generosity, self-acceptance, and the hope of creating a better world one act of kindness at a time. It breaks my heart to use the past tense here to speak about Mark; he was the kind of friend I had thought would accompany me through life, even if we didn't live in the same city or move in the same circles. I will miss him every day and smile as I reminisce about all the experiences we shared.

I will always love you, Mark. I look forward to the day we meet each other again beyond the constraints of this world. Rest in peace, my friend. The world has suffered an insurmountable loss.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your son Mark.  Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Hi, William, Shirley and the rest of the Mayfield family. I'm not sure how well you remember me, but I was Mark's roommate in freshman year at USC. I made a post about Mark on Facebook, but thought I should post it here for his family to see:

"I just found out that Mark Mayfield, my first-year roommate, has passed away.

As I'm sure many of us felt prior to our freshman year of college, I was pretty nervous about meeting the person I'd be sharing a room with for an entire year at USC. At the very least, I was hoping to be paired with someone who exhibited an interest in movies and the occasional high five. Mark was so much more than that.

Mark was not only one of the coolest cats I've met, but also one of the most enthusiastic cinema aficionados I've known. Everything was a potential movie idea to him. He'd expertly detail action scenes in his mind out to me, using the parking lot across from our dorm window as a set piece. He'd keep his ideas and scripts neatly filed away in his desk, ready to break out his latest story at a moment's notice. I'd show him some of my animation or artwork and he'd give me crucial feedback. He basically had a love for all things cinema; Mark Mayfield, in my mind, was destined for movie greatness, and I could see him making it far. Even the name Mark Mayfield' was easy to imagine lit up on a placard outside a movie theatre.

But more apparent than his love of movies was his love of life. Whenever I visually think of Mark now, his default expression is happiness. His attitude was infectious, his smile lit up the room and he could make friends without even trying. All in all, everything you could want in not only a first-year roommate, but also a friend.

The last time I saw Mark was when we bumped into each other in the street in junior year. We caught up briefly, and then we were on our way. But since then, I'd still occasionally think of him and what he's up to, and whether he's writing his next big movie or making new friends. But now that he's gone, it devastates me to know that I can never personally ask him.

Mark, you were a fantastic and truly unique person, and it breaks my heart to know you've left us so soon, when it seemed like the best was yet to come. In your name, I will continue to manifest my love of cinema, and to channel your exuberance for a craft that we all dearly cherish. Most of all, I'll try to show more love and appreciation for those around me, very much like you were able to do so effortlessly. You've touched so many lives and I think it's accurate to say that knowing you has made us all better individuals.

Much love and respect to you, Mark. I'll miss you."

I'm so sorry for your loss, You're all in my thoughts, and I hope you're able to take comfort in how much of a positive effect Mark had on all of us.

Sincerely,
Tom Kanter

I am so saddened to hear about his passing. Mark was one my students at the University of Southern California - he and I spoke often and this breaks my heart. Sincerely, Bill Whittington

To the Mayfield Family, 

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I am saddened to hear about the passing of someone who touched my life with a powerful force  one that still affects me today. 

A few years ago I found myself roaming the USC campus without a permanent home (shortly after graduating from my bachelor's). I had a temp job on campus that was not supposed to last long, so I couldn't really afford to rent my own place (I was still trying to nail down a full-time job). I was jumping from couch to couch calling as many friends as I could. One night, on my way to spend a few nights at my friend Connor's, serendipity connected me with Mark. 

Connor had his phone on vibrate, and did not hear my repeated attempts to let him know I had arrived. Thirty minutes passed, and I had still not received an answer. Marked found me on the side of the road with a suitcase, and asked if there was anything he could do to help out. We were lose acquaintances, but he didn't hesitate to offer to take me in for the night. I accepted.

In what was a very unpredictable year  one serendipitous night transformed into an eight week stay. He had nothing to offer but a floor, and I felt more comfortable with him than with any of my close friends' plush couches. He never made me feel like an inconvenience.

For eight weeks I did nothing but work a full-time schedule and travel the country going to job interviews. Those were tumultuous times, and every night I was lucky to come home to someone who could talk me through the adversities. Mark gave me much more than a roof over my head, he gave me a home when I desperately needed one.

I knew he would have rather had his place to himself. I knew he had other things to focus on. But I knew he was more generous than most of us were at that age. He understood I needed help, and he didn't think twice about sacrificing his privacy in order to provide it for me. 

Lets not forget - for all intensive purposes, I was a total stranger. 

It was a beautiful eight weeks. I heard Mark's screenplay ideas. I watched his films. I learned about his college experience and all the life lessons he was learning. I was touched by his talent, his words, and his inherent generosity. I made many important life choices throughout that time. He talked me through all of them. 

On the day I finally left I wanted to give him something, and I thought he would appreciate an exotic orchid. He was overjoyed. The orchid was still alive almost a year later when I went back to check in.  

Like you, I don't understand why he had to depart, or where all that talent has now gone. I can tell you one thing  he made a difference in my life. 

With much love,

Andres Anton-Diaz

My condolences to your family Dr Mayfield. I will have your family in my prays.

Rebekah and I were deeply saddened to learn of Mark's passing.  While it is Bill who we know best, our hearts go out not only to him but to Mark's entire family and all those who knew and loved him, as son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.  Words of condolence cannot suffice, but our hope and prayer is that time and God's abiding presence will bring healing and will ease all sorrows.  His photo shows Mark had a spectacular smile.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Dear Dr. Mayfield, Ms. Mayfield and family

I just wanted to share with you what a huge impact Mark had on all who knew him, worked with him and loved him.  I still have the note from Bart Griffith, former Dean, who sent me Mark's name as a potential ambassador in the fall of 2006.  I'd asked for names of students who would be able to make positive connections with younger students and their parents, and people who had wonderful personalities who knew how to make guests feel comfortable and welcomed.  Mark was one of six young men (out of over a hundred) recommended to me from the class of 2008, but he was a star.  He had a unique gift of putting people at ease with that huge welcoming smile of his.  He was also a wonderful interviewer  he'd chat with our young applicants and get them relaxed so they were able to show their best selves.  And that was quintessential Mark  he drew out the best in everyone around him.  
In this time of deep loss, please know that Mark touched many, many people and always left them feeling better.  He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Marjorie Mitchell
Director of Admissions 
The Westminster School

Mark was a wonderful guy. He was a great friend and so creative and interesting to talk to. Everyone loved him. I am devastated that he is no longer with us.

I had Mark as a student when he was a senior at Westminster, and knew him to be an incredibly thoughtful, kind, and caring young man. My condolences and prayers are with the Mayfield family. From Kay Solomon, teacher of Biblical studies at The Westminster Schools.

I'm in D.C. through the weekend, so I cannot attend the service, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with the Mayfield family Thursday and beyond.  I have fond memories of Mark as a tennis player, student, artist and a gentle, loving person, memories I will always cherish.  Dr./Coach B./Wade Boggs, retired Westminster teacher, tennis coach and college counselor

OBITUARY

Mark Robert Mayfield

October 16, 1989 – August 9, 2015

Kennesaw Memorial Park

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