Rashele “Franki” Mayfield, 50, a trailblazer, mentor, and beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away on December 14, 2024, at her home in Chesapeake, Virginia, surrounded by her devoted family and friends.
Born on August 7, 1974, in Charleston, WV, Franki was the youngest of three children. From her early days of playing basketball, running track with Capital City Striders, and cheerleading, to the joyous family trips to the amusement park and the excitement of the Charleston Regatta, Franki’s childhood was filled with energy, laughter, and love. She graduated from South Charleston High School and later attended West Virginia State University.
Franki’s mother, Donna, instilled in her the values of service, compassion, and leaving every space better than she found it—a principle that Franki carried with her throughout her life. Her mother’s influence was evident in the way Franki treated others—with kindness, respect, and a heart full of love that inspired all who knew her.
Franki began her career at Bell Atlantic in Charleston, WV, as a customer service associate. When Bell Atlantic merged with GTE to form Verizon, Franki seized the opportunity to grow within the company, moving to Roanoke, Virginia, and later to the Eastern Shore. There, she made history as the first black woman to work in Verizon’s Eastern Shore Operations Department, a groundbreaking accomplishment in an industry that had long been male-dominated. At the time of her passing, she worked in the engineering department, having dedicated over 30+ years of service to Verizon. Her technical expertise, leadership, and mentorship left an indelible mark. Franki was a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers, an organization dedicated to promoting community service and fellowship among those who worked in the telecommunications industry. Her colleagues affectionately called her their “work mom” and “mama bear,” reflecting the deep respect they had for her nurturing spirit and unshakeable strength.
Franki’s impact extended far beyond her professional achievements. She was a woman of boundless generosity, always giving to others without expectation of recognition. Over the years, Franki helped raise numerous godchildren and quietly supported families in need, leaving behind a legacy of hope, kindness, and a reminder that love knows no bounds. She embodied the idea that small acts of kindness ripple out and create lasting change in the world.
A fiercely loyal protector of her family and friends, Franki was known for her unyielding devotion and her ability to speak her truth, no matter the circumstance. Her humor, wit, and creativity were unparalleled, and she never hesitated to lift others up with a joke or a word of encouragement. Franki’s love for her family was her greatest joy. She was a devoted mother to her son, Jason, and a proud grandmother to Mekhi, finding immeasurable happiness in watching her family grow and flourish. She also cherished the bond of sisterhood, with a love for her sisters, Angela and Dawnell, that knew no bounds, as well as her extended family of chosen sisters and brothers.
Her spiritual journey was deeply personal and profound. In November, she expressed her acceptance of God’s love and grace, finding peace in her faith. This moment of spiritual connection brought Franki comfort and peace as she prepared for her next chapter.
Franki’s memory will be cherished forever by her family, her extended family, and the countless friends and colleagues whose lives she enriched. Her courage, strength, and unending love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As her family so beautifully put it, “Franki was the kind of person you wanted in your corner—loyal, unyielding, and unafraid to call it like she saw it.” Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of strength, love, and compassion will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Clifford and Fannie Starcher; her paternal grandfather, Eddie Mayfield Sr.; her paternal great-grandmother, Rachel Lee; and her beloved dog, Diamond.
She is survived by her son, Jason Mayfield; her grandson, Mekhi Loving; her parents, Donna Evans (Terrell) and Jason Mayfield (Robin); her paternal grandmother, Teddy Mayfield; her sisters, Angela Mayfield (Tony Brown) and Dawnell “Suki” Schofield; her brother, Josh Fridley (Tracy); her nieces, Phoeneisha Deahl (Bobby), Jordan Fridley and Reagan Fridley; her nephews, Justin Mayfield, Anthony Schofield, Janathan Schofield (Lexi), and Elijah Mayfield; her great-nieces and nephews; her dog, Henny; and a host of cousins, godchildren, extended family, and friends who hold her memory close to their hearts.
A Celebration of Life (casual non-traditional service) will be held at Metropolitan Funeral Services at 5605 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701, on January 4, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:30 AM. We invite everyone to join us to celebrate Franki’s incredible life with love, laughter, and shared memories.
Condolences(19)-
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Shelly Knight says
December 23, 2024 at 4:04 pmMy condolences to her family sorry for your loss Frankie was a beautiful person she will be miss by many sending her family hugs
Karen Savage says
December 30, 2024 at 5:54 pmOur Deepest condolences to Jason and Mekhi Loving and praying for the Family
Cynthia Batts says
January 2, 2025 at 10:23 amMy thoughts and prayers are sent to Jason and the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Franki was a beautiful special happy chill soul that would give whatever needed to help. My friend. She is truly missed.
Douglas Newton says
December 23, 2024 at 6:56 pmDear Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Franki. She was a remarkable person whose kindness and spirit touched everyone she met. She will truly be missed❤️. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Dougie
Paul & Carole Redline says
December 26, 2024 at 1:56 pmA beautiful young woman has left this earth too early to become one of God’s Angels. Her greatness and love will be felt by those who loved her dearly.
Faye says
January 4, 2025 at 9:37 pmTo the family of “Franki” Mayfield you have my deepest sympathy! My memories of her before l retired from Verizon was nothing but wonderful as she was indeed someone I shall never forget! She was beautiful outwardly and inwardly! Rest dear “Franki”! Thank you for your friendship!
With heartfelt sorrow, Faye!
Manuel Stewart says
December 26, 2024 at 3:26 pmOn behalf of the Thomas Sherwin Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers I wish to express our deepest condolences to Donna Mayfield and her family. May the Lord And our Savior Jesus Christ give peace and comfort to the whole family.
Manuel Stewart
Vice President Thomas Sherwin Chapter
Telephone Pioneers
Darrell says
December 26, 2024 at 3:48 pmI tell you lady this has been a rough time franki you have been a mentor and true friend for 32 yrs and this is really hard I pray for Jason and her family at these hard times when you told me about this I have been hurt ever since but one thing you told me to do is check on your dad and I will promise you that until we see each other again love you and you will be missed
Kim Wade says
December 26, 2024 at 4:02 pmA beautiful soul…inside and out. Heartbroken for all who knew her and loved her.
Denise Morrison says
December 26, 2024 at 5:04 pmThis is such a wonderful tribute to a strong and special lady! Sending my deepest sympathy to Angela and all of Franki’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Mary P Carson says
December 27, 2024 at 9:05 amMary P Corson
On behalf of the Jasper N Keller Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family. She was a rising star that will shine brightly in heaven. May you find peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Sincerely
Mary P Corson
Past President Keller Chapter
Director of New Vision Pioneers
Vickie Winbush says
December 27, 2024 at 5:21 pmMy deepest sympathy ❤️🩹 and prayers to the family.🥀
Deb Goehring says
December 27, 2024 at 8:09 pmOn behalf of the Genesee Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, please accept our deepest sympathy, Donna and family. Franki was a wonderful person and she will be deeply missed by so many. May you find peace and comfort at this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Deb Goehring
Vice President Genesee Chapter
New Vision Pioneers
Vearnetta White, President says
December 29, 2024 at 2:41 amOn behalf of the Old Dominion Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, we extend our deepest sympathy to Donna, her children and the family. Although I did not have the honor of meeting your beloved Franki in person, her spirit and presence are felt through the beautiful memories shared about her. We pray that your precious memories be of solace to you now and the coming days. May the Words of Jesus in Matthew 5:4, be of comfort to you, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
In heartfelt love,
Vearnetta White,
President ODC Chapter
New Vision Pioneers
Ethel H Loving says
December 31, 2024 at 1:05 pmTo the family, my heartfelt sympathy is with you as you lay your loved one to rest. From the time when our grandson Mekhi was born her and Jason has always cared and loved him. I always loved her. kind heart and beautiful spirit. Truly will miss her and her help with raising our grandson
Shannon Peele says
January 3, 2025 at 3:26 pmMy deepest Condolences to All that have had the blessing of loving Franki and having a moment in time with her. To her son Jason, grandson Mekhi, Sister’s Angela and Sukie, her Parents, nieces, nephews and family, she will always be your guiding light in this life time and the next.
Shannon, Lisa & Ryanne Peele
Sam Johnson-Phillips says
January 3, 2025 at 3:40 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with her son Jason, her grandson Mekhi, her sisters Angela and Sukie, her parents, friends, and everyone whose life was touched by Franki.
I will miss you dearly, Franki. I love you.
Sam Johnson-Phillips
RH says
January 4, 2025 at 1:37 amSending my heartfelt condolences to her son Jason, and her grandson Mekhi. Truly gone but not forgotten, I cannot belive it!
The time we shared at Elmhurst will be cherished just like the last time I saw you. To her family trust God’s timing, and allow him to comfort your hearts.💕💐
Work-Buddy,🕊️
R.H.
Tasha Nelms says
January 8, 2025 at 3:56 pmMy condolences to the entire family. Rashele and I shared many laughs over the few years we have known each other. I was saddened to hear of her passing. Jason, may GOD continue to bless and keep you.
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