A Celebration of Life for Mr. John Fields, Sr., 85, of Waskom will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Waskom. Interment will follow the service at Strickland Springs Cemetery. Mr. Fields left this earthly world on Monday, January 01, 2018.

Deacon Fields was born September 25, 1932 in Blanchard, Louisiana to Matthew and Thelma Jernigan Fields. He joined Union Chapel at an early age and later in life served on the Deacon Board. On November 23, 1952 Deacon Fields united in marriage with the sole love of his life, Mary Lee Stewart. For the next 65 years John and Mary would love, cherish, and care for one another, raise a family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Deacon Fields worked hard to provide a good life for his family always putting God first. For 20 years, he worked for Acme Brick Company delivering bricks to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma. Some of the places he delivered to included Wiley College, Southern University and Panola College. For the remaining of his work history he started his own company and worked for himself until his retirement.

Deacon Fields actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement and witnessed the unrest at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. After witnessing this event he knew what he had to do at home. He became active in the Civil Rights Movement in his community to make it better.

Deacon Fields was devoted to serving Christ, being with family as well traveling and was devoted to helping others. He also was a published author of the book "The Courage to Emerge".

Deacon Fields had a big heart and was always happy to help his family, friends and even a stranger. Brother Fields is loved and missed by all who knew him. Deacon Fields is at rest with his Savior now.

Those left to cherish the memory of Deacon Fields and continue his legacy are his loving wife, Mary L. Fields; children, Vernell Fields of Arlington, Texas, Carol Fields of Carrollton, Texas, Eric John Fields and wife, Barbara of Duncanville, Texas, Carl M. Fields and wife, Robinette of Memphis, Tennessee, Delaney Fields of Sacramento, California, Deyree Fields of Los Angeles, California, and Alsandor Fields of Dallas, Texas; 2 sisters, Eva Mae Runnels of Texarkana, Texas and Hannah Marie Tell of Sacramento, California; 2 brothers, Melvin Fields of Sacramento, California and Charles Fields of Sacramento, California; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Preceding Deacon Fields in death are his parents, Matthew and Thelma Fields; brothers, Claude Fields, Roosevelt Fields and Matthew Fields; and sisters, Carrie Pruitt, Ruby Parish and Gloria McCray.