On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, Rhea Erwin Mayfield, loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at the age of 80 in Brownwood, Texas. Born November 17, 1938, in Rising Star to the late R.B. and Adena Myrle Erwin. Rhea was a graduate of the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and Christ for the Nations Institute. In addition to her parents, Rhea was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Cochran.
Rhea spent the majority of her career (27 years) as an educator in the Texas public school system, teaching 1st grade through high school as well as Special Education. In the middle of her teaching career, Rhea chose to pursue her true passion, Jesus Christ, and spent 10 years working at Christ for the Nations. She retired in 2006. Rhea was as a true prayer warrior, standing in the gap for her family, friends, Israel, as well as the many missionaries she supported and loved. Of all her accomplishments, Rhea was most proud of her daughters and that each grew to love and serve the Lord. Rhea dearly loved her family and friends, and spent her free time enjoying their activities and was so proud of their accomplishments. She loved games of all kinds and always lived life to the fullest. She will be fondly remembered for her generous spirit, outspoken personality and passion for all she loved
Above all, Rhea was passionate about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and made it her life’s goal to share the gospel, including multiple mission trips abroad. If you knew Rhea, you knew about Jesus. She boldly proclaimed her faith to each and every person she met, leading many into the kingdom of God. Rhea loved church and was an active member of High Mesa Cowboy Church.
Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Cliff Erwin and wife Janice; daughters, Kasey Bonnema and husband Hans, Kaylon Johnson, and Miken Ruiz and husband John; ten grandchildren, Caleb Johnson and wife Kari, Stephanie Housh and husband Aaron, Michael Johnson, Helena Bonnema, Sieta St. Ama and husband Devin, Kaylon Bonnema, Bradley Ruiz, Ryan Ruiz, Bailey Ruiz and Ryder Ruiz; her animal companion, Suri; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at10:00 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2019, at High Mesa Cowboy Church (1100 High Mesa Dr. Brownwood, Texas) with Pastor Todd King officiating; burial will follow at Rising Star Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
