WElyria - Frank Whitfield, Mayor of Elyria

07/24/2025

My heart breaks for the Lorain Police Officers, their families, and all those impacted by such a heinous and cowardly attack. I pray for them, their families and friends, the Lorain County community overall, and all law enforcement who are out protecting, serving, and risking their lives everyday.

07/07/2025

This weekend, I hand delivered a cashier’s check in the amount of $956.67 to Elyria City Hall. This action is not an admission of wrongdoing, but rather a reflection of my unwavering commitment to transparency and my deep belief that public trust is worth far more than any dollar amount.

I’ve reviewed the Auditor’s report and our campaign records. I do not believe there was any misuse of city resources, and I remain confident in how we conducted ourselves. That said, to avoid any appearance of impropriety, and to ensure this matter does not distract from the important work ahead, I’m addressing this directly and moving forward.

I took on the role of Mayor to serve and to give, not to gain. Anyone who worked closely with me knows how committed I am to operating above board and at the highest standards of integrity especially knowing that, after a historical unprecedented election, there would be unprecedented scrutiny.

If the investigation concludes as I expect, with no findings of wrongdoing, my request is that the City apply these funds to support Elyria’s residents. I gave everything I had to this city and I continue to want to see it succeed. I’ll get my reward from Jesus.

Yours in service,
Frank Whitfield

09/25/2024

Stanley Whitfield, affectionately known by many as 'Stan,' 'Stan the Man,' and 'World,' passed away peacefully at his home in Lorain and went on to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the age of 69. Stanley was born in Lorain, Ohio on June 8, 1955, to his loving mother, Ruthie Mae Whitfield.

Stanley's life was filled with faith in Jesus, family, hard work, and a passion for helping others. He graduated from Admiral King High School in 1973. Over his lifetime, he held various roles, including 20 plus years as a basketball official, over 15 years at York International, and many other jobs where his skills and presence left a lasting impact on those he worked with. This included his time serving as a transportation supervisor at Future Generations.

He graduated with a cosmetology degree and was a licensed barber and hair stylist, a corrections officer at the youth detention center, a delivery driver, and even a security guard at the Elyria Roll Arena.

No matter the role, Stanley brought dedication, care, and a sense of humor, influencing countless lives along the way. He was a man who loved sports, especially basketball and boxing. He also enjoyed time reading the Bible and watching movies and classic television shows such as Sanford and Son, The Munsters, and Westerns.

Stanley had a family who loved him deeply, including his children; Quentin Burkes, Jasmine Whitfield, and Frank (Kaleena) Whitfield. He was the proud grandfather to several granddaughters, including Quoreya (Mahleek), Octavia, Aniya, Sophia, Eliza, and Delila. He was also a great-grandfather to Anomi and Aura Prendergast. In addition, he leaves behind his siblings, Luticia Ann Whitfield, Joanne Moon, Martha 'Jane' Beard, Steve D Whitfield, and Olivia Whitfield; as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He loved his extended family, including stepchildren, Cornelius Carey, Sie (Sparkle) Carey, Carlos Johnson, Tynisa (Kieth) Johnson, and Carneia (Lavell) Gibson; along with a host of extended grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ruthie Mae Whitfield; sisters, Alice Goshen, Dalphine Rogers, and Theresa Moon; and brothers, Herman Whitfield, Robert Moon, and Newell Whitfield.

A celebration of life for Stanley will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Faith Ministries, 1306 Euclid Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052. The viewing will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. A repass will take place at the same location, where friends and family are welcome to gather and share memories.

Friends and loved ones are encouraged to share their photos and stories of Stanley at www.stanleywhitfield.com, as we remember the man whose life brought laughter, hope, and love to those who loved him.

09/21/2024

Stanley Whitfield passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, at his home in Lorain, Ohio. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Faith Ministries, 1306 Euclid Ave, Lorain, Ohio, with a viewing at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Full obituary and further details to follow.

09/19/2024

We are honored to create this space in memory of my father, Stanley Whitfield. He was more than just a father—he was a mentor, a friend, and a constant source of wisdom and surprise. One of the things that connected us was our love for game of basketball, and this photo of the two of us refereeing a game together says so much about our relationship.

My dad taught me everything he knew about the game, and really about life, as long as I was willing to listen. He had this spontaneity about him—things could go in any direction at any moment, and it always kept me on my toes.

On this day, he told me he was down a referee and “suggested” I fill in. It wasn’t the plan for the day but he had a way of changing my plans and I may be apprehensive at first but it was always to my benefit.

I still find joy in those unexpected twists, and I think that’s one of the most lasting gifts he left me.

As I think about all the ways my dad impacted those around him, I know there are so many stories, moments, and lessons that others hold close as well. Over time, I’ll be sharing more memories and photos of him, and I’d love for you to join me in honoring his life by sharing your own.

Whether it’s a funny story, a cherished photo, or a memory of how he touched your life, feel free to post on this page.

Thank you for your prayers, love, and support, and for helping us to remember and celebrate Stanley Whitfield. - Frank Whitfield WElyria - Frank Whitfield, Mayor of Elyria

09/18/2024

06/20/2024

It is with a bittersweet heart that I share that my family and I are relocating to Atlanta, GA.

Elyria has been my only home. I've grown up here, traveled every street, overcame many challenges, completed my education, started my career, and built my family here.

I proudly served as Elyria’s Mayor and since then, I've explored many opportunities, and I have chosen to prioritize my family and support my wife's amazing opportunity in Atlanta. I am thankful for all the years she has supported my endeavors and I am proud to support hers. We move forward with faith in the same God who has guided and directed us thus far and with the lessons we have learned right here in Elyria.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentors, friends, and supporters who have guided, cared for, and pulled me through tough times over the years. I've poured everything I have into this city, and I'm confident that now is the right time to explore new horizons. I will continue to strive to bring glory to Jesus and to make Elyria proud. The South Side of Elyria will always have my heart and Elyria will always be the city that helped raise me. Keep my family in your prayers and we will be doing the same for you.

12/21/2023

Jeremiah 2:13, God said of his people: “They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”

12/20/2023

After careful consideration and exploring running for county commissioner as a Democrat, I have decided that I will not be pursuing this opportunity at this time. I am appreciative of the party Chair Sweda for her welcoming and strong leadership throughout this process. Though I share many of the values and priorities of the Democratic party, for reasons I will share in the future, I will remain an Independent and focus on continuing to put people over politics.

Thank you to those who signed petitions and were supportive of this process.

12/09/2023

RIP to a community legend and servant Mr. Grayson. We provided a proclamation in honor of his service and legacy

The family of T. Douglas “Doug” Grayson, a basketball legend who still holds an NCAA record, who also was a beloved teacher and father, will celebrate his life after he died Nov. 30. He…

12/08/2023

Congratulations Expresso Bakery for turning a setback into a major comeback. I was embarrassingly proud to be standing in line at 6:30 in the morning to get my donuts (that I probably shouldn’t be eating) and more importantly to support small businesses in my community. Congratulations Keith and Laura!

Story can be found here

The bakery on 4th Street in Elyria officially reopened at 5 a.m. on Friday.

12/06/2023

Mayor Whitfield Post election speech part 2