Novella was born on January 7, 1973 in Los Angeles, California to the late Ellen Kemp and Freddy Lee Smith. She was the eldest sister with 5 younger siblings. Along with her parents one of her siblings preceded her in death, Lattice Cunningham. 

In 1973 Novella Cunningham was baptized at Imperial Church of Christ in Watts, California. Whenever the church doors were opened she was there. She moved churches becoming a member at West Adams Church of Christ we here she remained a faithful member until she was called to take her rest. 

Novella was a full time home maker. She provided excellent care to her 3 children. She also invested a lot of time in furthering her education. She attained many educational certificates and even returned to school in her later years to obtain her AA degree in business. 

Novella loved to take her boys fishing and her girls shopping. She also loved to help her neighbors and members of her church. She loved to cook for church events and even loved to provide food for the homeless. 

Novella made her grand exit on November 30, 2023, leaving those left to cherish her memory; Three (3) sons, Rick Mayfield, Jerry Mayfield, Sunny Mayfield; 6 grandchildren, Eric Mayfield, Rick Mayfield Jr., Ericka Mayfield, Patricia Mayfield, Lauren Mayfield and Kennedy Johnson; She leaves behind her sisters Kandice Cunningham, Robbin Cunningham, and brothers Keith Mozee, Robert Smith.

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)