May 2, 2023, 70, Goldsboro –
Deborah Mariah Fields passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC on May 2, 2023.
Born and raised in Goldsboro, NC, Deborah was known by her friends and family as Debbie. She was the oldest of four siblings.
As a certified CNA II/Med-Tech, Debbie cared for many clients from the disabled at Howell’s Child Care Center, the sick at Wayne Memorial Hospital, traumatic brain injury at Renu Life, to those facing addiction at DART where she worked as a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Director. For over 40 years Debbie worked selflessly caring for others.
One of her greatest accomplishments came later in life. At the age of 60, Debbie completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with a minor in psychology through the University of Phoenix, and her Master’s degree in Educational Technology at Ottawa University.
Debbie’s strength and determination became apparent when she underwent triple bypass heart surgery. Determined that nothing was going to stop her from reaching her goal, Debbie completed the last two classes of her master’s degree while recovering.
Debbie enjoyed research and genealogy and worked on the ancestry website posting information for many generations of her family line. She also played a role in connecting a gentleman who was adopted and helped him reconnect with his siblings here in Goldsboro, NC.
When she wasn’t watching her “soaps” she enjoyed watching Kim Clement and Bob Joyce preaching online.
Debbie was also a great cook and carried on the traditions and love of cooking she learned from her Granny Brown, (the late Emma Cannon) Debbie was known for making the best sweet potato biscuits, and they were always being requested for holiday meals and at family gatherings.
If a family member had surgery, Debbie managed to make sure they were fed and taken care of post-surgery. She always managed to set aside offenses and disagreements to help them during that healing process. Her last request was last week in the hospital when she told her daughter to remind her grandchildren to tell their children about Jesus.
Debbie had two lifelong friends with whom she shared many memories, disagreements, prayers, and love, The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Reverend Jennifer Medlin and Bea Guise, for their continued support, and prayer, not only for Debbie but also for her family.
Debbie is survived by two sons, Joseph “Nick” Bentley, and Edgar Ezra O’Quinn, his wife Wendy O’Quinn, and one daughter, Reverend Erica O’Quinn Thompson, and her husband, Dave Thompson. In addition to her 12 grandchildren and 14 beautiful great-grandchildren that she loved and adored. she is also survived by her beloved siblings, sister, Loretta Lynn Fields (Lori), and brother Marvin Fields Jr.
Debbie is preceded in death by her father, Marvin Fields, Sr., her mother, Penelope Brown Geist, her brother, Charles Fields, and a special aunt, Ann Rhodes.
A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held with friends and family, on May 13, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Jones Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1049 Country Club Road. Mount Olive, NC, with her daughter, Rev. Erica Thompson officiating, and her sister Loretta Fields with the reading of a poem. The scattering of her ashes will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:30 pm at “The Point” on Coast Guard Road., Emerald Isle, NC. All are welcome to attend this special moment.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be directed to www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
