Mary Helen Mayfield, 82, of Buffalo, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born December 2, 1943, in Springfield, Missouri, Mary Helen was a lifelong resident of Buffalo, where she built a legacy of love that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1961 and later in life demonstrated her enduring determination and spirit by returning to school as an adult, graduating from Ozarks Technical Community College with her Associate’s Degree.

On December 9, 1961 — just seven days after her 18th birthday — Mary Helen married the love of her life, Kenny Mayfield. Theirs was a marriage defined by devotion, tenderness, and unwavering support for one another that lasted sixty-one beautiful years, until Kenny’s passing on September 20, 2022. Together, they built a home that was always open, always warm, and always full.

As a young family, Mary Helen and Kenny filled their summers with camping, days on the lake and river, and vacations to Indiana to visit family. They cherished every moment spent with their children and grandchildren. As the family grew, so did the traditions. Sunday dinners at Nana and Papa’s house were a cherished family tradition — a weekly gathering that kept the family rooted and connected.

Mary Helen was always in the stands, on the sidelines, or in the front row — cheering her kids and grandkids on. Through heartbreaks, losses, failures, and successes alike, she was always there, ingrained in the very fabric of her family’s lives. She was more than Mary Helen — she was a Mom and Nana to many.

She enjoyed attending George Strait and Southern Gospel concerts with family and friends, with The Isaacs and The Cathedrals being among her favorites. Her outings with her Red Hat girlfriends held a special place in her heart. She looked forward every year to trips to Silver Dollar City with the whole clan, and each Christmas her tree stood as a testament to her attention and care — an intricately decorated masterpiece that was truly something to behold. Every spring, she could be found gardening and putting out her flowers, bringing beauty to everything she touched.

Mary Helen loved nothing more than gathering her family around the table for a good game. Skip-Bo, Phase 10, and Uno were favorites — but Monopoly brought out a special competitive spirit in her, particularly when Parker or Alyea were playing, as she was convinced those two were cheaters. The family even shared one wild and memorable night of Cards Against Humanity. It didn’t matter what the game was — if her kids or grandkids were involved, she was all in.

Mary Helen was, simply put, the epitome of love. Selfless to her core, she gave of herself completely and loved her family without condition or reservation. She was the kind of person you could always turn to — and so many did. At one point or another, nearly every member of her family called her home their own, and she welcomed each one with open arms.

We hope to carry on her legacy of unconditional, unwavering love. ❤️

Mary Helen was saved and baptized at a very young age at First Baptist Church in Buffalo, where she maintained her membership and was an active member for many years. She later became a member of Legacy Baptist Church, also in Buffalo. She loved caring for the children in the nursery at both churches.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth James Mayfield; her parents, Irene Ruth Brownfield (Davis) and Howard Russell Brownfield; and her brother, John Riley (J.R.) Brownfield, and his wife, June.

Mary Helen is survived by her three children: Christopher Lynn (Jennifer) Mayfield, Angela Michelle Mayfield, and Traci Lea (Dusty) Owens; 14 grandchildren: Kyle (Krystal) Huber, Breck Mayfield, Hailie Mayfield (Keanu Ventenilla), Janissa Mayfield, Cooper Mayfield, Tallyn Gunnels, Megan (Josh) Portis, Dalton (Abby) Bennett, Parker Tyree (Erynn Donovan), Tristan (Cassie) Timmerwilke, Tyler Gash, Tegan Gash, Keeley (James) McCorkendale, and Kinsley (Brady) Brooke; 18 great-grandchildren: Alyea (Brock), Cameron (Jamison), Scarlet, Kayedon, Wyatt, Haiden, Paisley, Jagger, Haven, Riley, Logan, Bailey, James, Jonah, Noah, Lyle, Owen, and Shiloh; and three great-great-grandchildren: Cohen, Brooks, and Denton. In addition to her family, she leaves behind Sobia Abbasi, whom she loved like a daughter, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will all truly miss her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will follow on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM, both at Legacy Baptist Church, with Pastor Ron Cannell presiding.