Dewilla Ann Mansfield, 79, of Oak Island, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018 at her home.
She was born March 9, 1939, in Columbus County, daughter of the late Hoyt Shelley and Donnie Bell Fowler Shelley. She grew up in Raeford and started working at Burlington Coat Factory. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ray Mansfield. They began their life together more than 65 years ago and many said they never had an argument. In 1981 they became the owners of Jiffy Bait and Tackle on Oak Island and in 1983 opened Mansfield Heating and Air. They continued to be side by side together, being a loyal, hardworking team until Mr. Mansfield's sickness and death. Both of them were icons in the Oak Island community for many years, especially being active in Oak Island Presbyterian Church. The community enjoyed their Christmas decorations as many of them attended their annual Christmas party. Mrs. Mansfield loved working in her yard and garden. She always had the help of Matthew and Jimmy, who they say helped shape their lives forever. In addition to her husband Ray Mansfield, preceding her in death was a son James Ray Mansfield, brother, Jerry Shelley, and sister, Sheila Shelley.
Survivors include her children, Sheila Mansfield Bell of Oak Island, Sidney Mansfield, of Oak Island, Perry Mansfield of Southport, Jimmy Mansfield of Wilmington, and Matthew Mansfield of Southport; sisters, Margaret Lanier of Chadbourn and Mary Jo Strickland of Cerro Gordo; grandchildren, Jamie Bell, Sidney Mansfield II, Brandon Mansfield, and Drew Mansfield;and great-grandchildren, Sidney Mansfield, III "Trey", Brantley Bell, and Westlyn Mansfield.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Ocean View United Methodist Church with the Rev. Fred Roberts officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Research, 3100 W. Central Ave., Suite 235 Toledo, OH, 43606.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.