Nancy Bright

Nancy Mayfield Bright, 85, passed away peacefully on her birthday, April 5, 2025, at Merit Health River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, MS, surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy's life was a testament to strength and perseverance. Born on April 5, 1940, she was not expected to live past her first day on earth, weighing just over a pound at birth. But God had big plans for Nancy. Her mamaw, Lillie Mayfield, refused to give up on her, making a tiny bed in a shoebox, surrounding it with warm bricks from the fireplace, and feeding her milk with an eyedropper for months. Against all odds, Nancy survived, growing into a strong, determined, and compassionate woman.

She was her daddy's cherished "GalBaby" and her mother's greatest joy—a woman whose warmth, resilience, and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

Her adventurous spirit emerged early in life. As a teenager, she lived in Okinawa, Japan, where her stepfather was stationed. She was fearless in tackling new experiences, a trait that later led her to pursue a career in nursing—a profession in which she found immense pride and fulfillment.

Nancy was a devoted mother to her three sons, James Larry Cronk, Mark Zane Lynch, and John Heath (Susan) Lynch. While raising her boys, she returned to school and earned her nursing degree in 1977. For over 30 years, she dedicated herself to caring for others with compassion and skill, retiring in 2007. She took great pride in her work, finding deep satisfaction in meeting the needs of others.

Above all, Nancy had a great love for her family. She spoke with immense pride about her grandchildren: Larry (Julia Ann) Lynch, Alix Lynch (Justin) Hamil, Abby Lynch (Hayden) Richardson, and Justin (Carrie) Lynch, Mandie Lynch, Heather Lynch, and their mother, Kim Lynch. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

She shared a deep bond with her siblings: Elton (Patsy) Mayfield Jr., Butch (Lisa) Mayfield, Larry (Donna) Mayfield, Jean Mayfield (David) Roberts, Roxanne Mayfield Coulter, and Alice Mayfield (Aaron) Messer. She also treasured her relationships with her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, finding joy in every family connection.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Clem Bright, her mother, Loree Leach Vandergriff, her father, Elton Mayfield, her stepmother, Jessie Mayfield, her brother, Elton Mayfield, Jr., and her loyal companion, Baxton.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. Her legacy of love, strength, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she held dear.

There will be a Graveside service will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2pm at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Arkadelphia, AR.