Debra Ibarra Mayfield, first Latina judge in Harris County civil courts, dead at 47

Debra Ibarra Mayfield, who proudly served as the first Latina judge in the Harris County civil courts and whose father helped build the courthouse where she later presided, died Friday in Houston after a two year battle with cancer. She was 47. The Houston Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society announced the death on Facebook. Mayfield, a Republican, came up through the ranks of the judiciary, serving as the first Latina judge in the Harris County civil courts, to which she was unanimously appointed in 2011 and re-elected in 2012 and 2014. The following year, she was appointed to the 165th District Court by Gov. Greg Abbott, who also named her to the 190th Judicial District Court two years later. Mayfield was among the first in her family to attend college and often cited her working-class background. The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board, in a 2016 endorsement, said the South Texas College of Law graduate brought “a refreshing openness to the bench.” Her father was a sheet metal worker who crafted the star on top of the civil courthouse where she later presided, a connection that featured prominently in a campaign. Seth Kretzer, a Houston lawyer who appeared before Mayfield on multiple occasions, said she was “sedulously prepared and eminently fair.” “Debra loved being a judge,” Kretzer said Sunday evening. “The political winds in Harris County shifted on her, but she kept being appointed and running again.” We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here. She was appointed by Abbot in 2017, but lost her bid for re-election the following year. Roland Garcia, a lawyer who met Mayfield when she was a law student, called her “a person of deep faith” who gave back to her community in “meaningful ways” as a judge and as a president of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston. “She took such pride in her work, and earned the respect and admiration from lawyers on both sides of the aisle, and in both political parties — quite an accomplishment,” Garcia said. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, recalled Mayfield’s tenacity and optimism, which he said infused her work as a public servant and as a marathon runner. “If she started a task she was going to finish it,” Bettencourt said Monday. “There was never a time when she didn't try her best.” Mayfield’s family could not be reached for comment. - Authorities execute search warrant, seize computers in probe of controversial Harris County vaccine contract - Fifth Ward residents urge Union Pacific to clean up rail yard near cancer cluster at protest - Grand jury declines to indict Deshaun Watson on criminal charges - Viral Houston artist who painted Ukraine message on 'Be Someone' bridge wants to make a difference - Texas renters stand to lose $103 million in aid unless local officials move quickly nora.mishanec@chron.com

Debra Ibarra Mayfield, first Latina judge in Harris County civil courts, dead at 47

The sign in service is not functioning right now.

Please try again in a few minutes

Profile Settings

Activate Digital Access

Subscription & Billing

Subscriber Benefits

EXCLUSIVE OFFER
GET AN ENTIRE 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢

Enjoy the many benefits
of being a subscriber.

Keep reading with
unlimited digital access.