Kay Mayfield

Charleen "Kay" Mayfield
June 21, 1954 - October 6, 2025

Charleen "Kay" Mayfield, 71, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Kay was born on June 21, 1954, in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, to Jay and Doris Wildman. She grew up in Iowa City and graduated from City High School. Over the years, she worked in management at K-Mart, 7-Eleven, and Hawk-I Truck Stop, later contributing her talents at NCS Pearson and ACT before retiring. Even after retirement, Kay continued caring for others, working in home health for elderly clients until she herself became ill.

Kay was known for her giving spirit, strong will, and independence. She poured her heart into caring for others and always found ways to help those in need. She loved cooking, gardening, riding her motorcycle, and playing cards. She cherished her time at "cousins dinners" and "Lunch Ladies" outings, but nothing brought her more joy than being with her family.

She also had a strong sense of conviction and loved attending political rallies—often showing up in her handmaid's outfit to stand up for what she believed in. Her courage and determination inspired those around her to speak up and make good trouble.

Kay is survived by her daughters Jessica (Dave) Smith, Katie (Cory) Lambe, and Courtney (Cody) Smith; her beloved grandchildren Sunny, Gianna, David, Brecken, Maddon, Brynley, and Lola; her siblings Doug and Billie; her uncle Paul (Mary) Potter; her aunt Carol Potter; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also remembered by her former husband, Dick Heacock, and many special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Doris Wildman; her husband, Johnny Mayfield; her sister, Pam Wildman; and special friends Jay Gillispie and Julia Dohrer.

Kay will be remembered for her kindness, strength, independence, and the generous way she lived her life. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Kay's life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northridge Pavilion in Coralville, Iowa.