Arlene V. Fields

Arlene was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 7, 1931 to the late Ethel Epps and Roy Carlton. She was the first child of three children. After a brief illness, Arlene quietly accepted her Heavenly Father’s call and entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 27, 2022 the age of 90.

Arlene was educated in the Baltimore City Public School system. She graduated from Dunbar High School in February 1951. She was an active participant in the Class of 1951 and maintained the role of Financial Secretary. She remained very close with her classmates and attended the majority of the class activities.

On February 5, 1951, Arlene married Welford Fields, Jr. and from this union, two children were born; Cynthia and Celeste. Arlene’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and godson, Erroll Travis, Sr. She was never too busy to love or enjoy them or their friends. Everyone in her presence was treated like part of her family.

Arlene was employed in the Baltimore City Public School System as a Career Substitute Teacher working over fifty-four years. She retired from Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School. She was diligent sales representative for Avon Products. To know her is to know Avon products. Before substituting, she was a Nurse’s Aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital when located in East Baltimore on Caroline Street. Arlene enjoyed traveling with the Oliver Center. She especially enjoyed the trips to Atlantic City.

At an early age, Arlene attended Grace Memorial Baptist Church, where she accepted Jesus Christ into her life and was baptized. On September 27, 1962, Arlene received full membership at Eastern United Methodist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Calvin P. Crosson. As a dedicated member of Eastern, Arlene participated in many ministries. She served for many years as the President of the Eastern United Methodist Women formerly known as the Women’s Society of Christian Service and served as the Representative of N. M. Carroll Home. She was leader in the Summer Camp Program and in the Brownie/Girl Scout Troop. She was a volunteer in the Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School. She served as Church Membership Secretary. She was a member of the Administration Board, Nominating Committee, Adult Fellowship, Project Joy, Seasoned Seniors, Bible Study, Mission Ministry, and the Visiting Team. She encouraged many to join Eastern. She remained a faithful, dedicated member who rarely missed a church service until the COVID pandemic. Arlene loved the Lord and she loved Eastern. She always shared her love of God with her family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Cynthia Fields Phillips and Celeste Fields; four grandchildren, Sean Phillips, Nikia Young, Danika Young, Brittnay Young; six great-grandchildren, Sean Phillips aka Little Sean, Shayne Phillips, Shamar Phillips, , Brielle Fitzgerald, Avery Oliver, and Amari Taylor; sister, Florence Maybin; brother-in-law, Sidney Fields; sister-in-law, Artis Fields, seven God-children; two very dear, beloved friends, Joyce Dean and Berthina Travis; nephews, nieces, the Dunbar Class of 1951, Eastern United Methodist Church Family, and many friends.