Obituary of Grace Lynn Mayfield

Grace Lynn Fortenberry Mayfield, 73, of Destin, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Lynn was born on September 23,1950 in McComb, Mississippi. Lynn graduated from Monticello High School in 1968 and went on to study social studies education at The University of Southern Mississippi.

After graduating from USM in 1972 with a degree in education, she began a 34 year teaching career at Fort Walton Beach High School in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Lynn was named Teacher of the Year in 2007 and finished her career as the social studies department chairman. Lynn took great pride in her school and students and shared her passion for learning with thousands of children over the years.

In 1972 Lynn married her college sweetheart, William Bruce “Billy” Mayfield. The two were happily married for 52 years! Lynn and Billy went on to have two children, David and Laura. Lynn loved her grandchildren and was affectionately referred to as “Gracie”.

Lynn was active in her community and church. She enjoyed teaching aerobics and taught a step aerobics class for twenty plus years. Lynn spent time volunteering as an interpreter for the deaf ministry at Wright Baptist Church. More recently, she enjoyed her bible study group in Destin and was a friend of Bill W. Lynn loved to travel with family and friends, and she and Billy enjoyed seeing the world together.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Billy Mayfield; her two children, David Mayfield (Kathryn), and Laura Adriansen (Eric); five grandchildren, Bowen, Cade and Mary Jane Mayfield; Eleanor and Harris Adriansen; and sister, Janice Dear. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Cade Fortenberry, and her mother, LaNelle Middleton Fortenberry; her brother-in-law, Butch Dear and niece, DeLynn Dear.

A memorial service will be held at Destin Methodist on Saturday, July 20th at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Wayne Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Destin Methodist Beach Worship or The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Grace Mayfield, please visit our Tree Store