Meet Elaine

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Elaine Sander Mayfield


Elaine Sanders-Mayfield was born in Frankfurt, Germany to Deacon Cleveland and Missionary Pearlie Sanders was the 8th and last child of the Sanders children. After her father’s retirement from the military, her family took up residence inWillingboro, NJ. A large portion of the family still remains in Willingboro today.

She began singing at the age of 6 and attempted her first solo at 12 years old. She seriously accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1972 and was baptized at the El-Bethel Baptist Church of Trenton, NJ, where the Rev. Dr. John A. Gaines was her pastor.

Elaine continued on her Christian journey, growing in the word and ministering as a soloist, with her family and other gospel groups. Elaine sang background for Tramaine Hawkins for 2 years and opened concerts for such greats as Richard Smallwood, Ernest Pugh, and Tamela Mann. She was a member of the group Arneld Dupree and Company for 33 years, singing across the tri-state area. Additionally, she is an active member of the Central New Jersey Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, which recorded and released 2020 the CD, “Great Praise”. Elaine sings lead on the song “Honor Thy God” was written by Aaron Brooks. The CD was executively produced by D. Corey Shipley, Joseph Jackson, and Aaron Brooks. Elaine has performed concerts and ministered solo across the United States including Bermuda.

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Elaine is an active member (20 years) of the St. John Baptist Church of Camden, NJ, where the Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend is the Pastor. She is a member of the Music Ministry Staff, Combined Choir, Sista Praise, and Adoration Ensemble and serves as one of the Youth Ministry Leaders for the Teen Choir. She also serves as one of the choir directors for the Combined Mass Choir and the Teen Choir. The Church Combined Choirs recorded their first CD in 2001 Josiah Music Publishing, Elaine sang lead on 2 songs from the recording, “Enter His Gates” and “Come to Jesus”. She is also a member of the “A Voice of a Different Kind” Ministry. This ministry supports through fundraising students, and families in need and gives annual scholarships to college-bound youth.

Elaine has recorded with several local groups including her family (The Sanders Family - “Praise Him Where U R” 2004) and released a solo EP in Feb 2014. (“K. Elaine”) She released her solo CD in 2016, entitled, “Simply Elaine”. “Simply Elaine” was submitted to NIGMA (National Industry of Gospel Music Association) and ultimately nominated in 6 categories for the Rhythm of Gospel Awards for Independent Artists held in Jacksonville, Florida in June 2017. She won Special Event of the Year and while there participated in a 50-plus pageant, won and was crowned Ms. Rhythm of Gospel 2017. Elaine was asked to serve on the Executive Board and served 2 years. Elaine was among 16 honored in 2016 as the Leading Ladies in Music, most notably being named in the company of icon Sarah Dash who recently passed Oct 2021. This event was sponsored by the Women’s Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church of Trenton, NJ.

Elaine is grateful to God for all He has done and his many blessings especially her wonderful husband Thomas A. Mayfield of 16 years, who is also the Executive Producer of “K. Elaine” and “Simply Elaine” CDs. Elaine takes music ministry very seriously and has always been highly supported by her husband and family. Elaine retired in 2019 as a Multi-Function Purchasing Manager after 34 years at The Lockheed Martin Corporation located in Baltimore, Maryland. Elaine is grateful for her extensive career and recognizes God’s hand throughout her life and entire work experience.

Her favorite scripture is Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever”