Betty Jean Fields, 82, of Charlottesville, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, with her beloved daughter, Mary Renee Fields, and a dear niece, Delores Davis, by her side.

Born on July 26, 1942, in Nelson County, Virginia, Betty was the daughter of George Caskie Harris and Ruth Helena Powell.

Betty grew up in the areas of Poor House Hollow Farm in Nelson County, as well as Heards and Blue Ridge Farm in Albemarle County. She attended several local schools, including the one-room schoolhouse at Heards, Covesville Schoolhouse, and Red Hill, before graduating from Albemarle High School, Class of 1960.

On March 18, 1968, she married the love of her life, W.C. Fields, and together they made their home in Batesville, VA, where they raised their daughter, Mary, before later moving to Charlottesville, VA.

Betty was a dedicated employee with expertise in the banking field, starting her career in her junior year of high school at National Bank. She also worked at Virginia National Bank and continued her career until her well-deserved retirement in 2015 from Union Bank. Her knowledge and professionalism left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with her, as well as those she served at the bank.

Betty enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, doing puzzles, and reading. She also loved spending time with her siblings and bringing her large family together over the years.

Betty was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church for many years, Betty later became a cherished member of Cherry Avenue Christian Church and looked forward to attending the senior Bible study on Tuesday mornings, where she found comfort, peace, and fellowship.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Renee Fields; her beloved siblings, Margaret Gibson, Brenda Shifflett (Gene), and her brother, Jeff Harris; her sisters-in-law, Linda Harris and Peggy Davis; and her brothers-in-law, Charles Fields and James Fields Jr. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, W.C. Fields, in 2021. She also mourned the loss of her sisters, Frances Hunt and Nadine Tornatore, and her brothers, Jerry and David Harris. Additionally, she was preceded by her brothers-in-law, Les Hunt, Francis Gibson, and Skippy Tornatore, as well as her sisters-in-law, Jackie Fields and Helen Fields, and brother-in-law, Donald Davis.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bobby Stokes, his wife Sue, and his dedicated staff, Dr. Will Knight, and the Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital staff.

Also, special thanks to Vickie and David Blackwell, Melanie Williams, Margaret Gibson, Delores and Peggy Davis, and a heartfelt thanks to her brother, Jeff Harris, who was her main caregiver during the last six months of her life.

There will be a public visitation on February 20, 2025, from 1pm-6pm at Hill & Wood Charlottesville. On the 21st, there will be a visitation at 10:45 until the memorial service at 11:30am at Cherry Avenue Christian Church. The burial will be a private family event. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Cherry Avenue Christian Church, 1720 Cherry Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or to the Charlottesville Chapter of the American Lung Association.

Submitted by Allen Carver.