Mary Fields

New London — Mary L. Fields of New London, went home peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Jan. 8, 1938, in Cove City, N.C., to the late Nettie (White) Fredricks.

Mary married Dennis J. Fields Sr. in 1959; he predeceased her in 1987.

Mary was a graduate of New Bold High School in Fort Barnwell, N.C., and later attended nursing school in New York City. Mary worked in the New York City school system before moving to New London in 1986, and worked at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for 20 years, retiring in 2009. She was an avid reader, loved playing cards and gardening. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Mary was a member of East Ward Missionary Baptist Church in New York City for many years where she was a dedicated usher. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Mary is survived by her sons, Dennis J. Fields Jr. (Aubrey) of Waterford, and Keith P. Fields (Constance) of New London; grandchildren Ciara Thompson of New York, Courtnee Fields of New London, Jazmine Fields of New Jersey; Dennis J. Fields III of Texas; Kahaleed Fields of New London; and Jules Fields of Waterford; sister Minnie Dawson of Vanceboro, N.C.; and uncle John H. White of Wilmington, N.C.

Besides her mother and husband, Mary was predeceased by children Gregory Fields and Faye Thompson; sisters Thelma Mingo and Ethelene Williams; and brothers Grover White and Johnny Dillahunt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday from the Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin St., New London. Her family will receive relatives and friends at the church one hour before service.

The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, has been entrusted with her care.