The Legacy of Marcellus Fields
Mr. Marcellus Fields, son of the late Nathaniel and Lillian Fields, was born on March 4, 1936 in Warren County, North Carolina. He joined Snow Hill Baptist church at a young age and graduated from John R.Hawkins High School in 1956.
After graduation,he relocated to Norfolk, Virginia and worked at the Unpainted Furniture Store. Living with his brother, he would travel back and forth from Norfolk to Warrenton, North Carolina visiting the love of his life, Celestine Alston.
After marrying in 1958, he relocated to Hampton, Virginia and welcomed his first son, Tony Devel Fields, followed by his second son, Stacey Orlando Fields. Shortly after, he welcomed a daughter, Marcia DeWintus Fields (Dukes) and his family was complete with the birth of his second daughter, Shelya Kianisha Fields.
Marcellus worked at the Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock (shipyard) and in 1962 he relocated to Bronx, New York, leaving his two precious sons with their maternal grandmother. He canvassed the city until he found a job and ironically he and Celestine secured jobs at the same place, Holly Stores Corporation (KMart Apparel). After living in New York for two years, he purchased his first home by age 28. His ability to achieve his earliest success was due in part by strong support from a few family members and
his will and determination to succeed.
Marcellus was passionate about many things, but had a true love for cars and driving which propelled him to a successful career chauffeuring top executives and navigating the bustling streets of the city with finesse.
His dream job relocated from New York to North Bergen, New Jersey marking the final uprooting of his family. In 1978, he bought his dream home in West Orange, New Jersey where he resided for over 47 years.
Marcellus cherished the things that meant the world to him: his family, his home, and his love for cars. As a master auto detailer, he was meticulous and paid close attention to detail, which required cars to be impeccably clean at all times.
Marcellus continued to provide for his family, take care of his home, and worked tirelessly until he retired after 35 years in 1997. His philosophy was to work hard, save money and pay cash for the things you want in life. His dedication extended beyond his career as he imparted invaluable life lessons to his children, emphasizing the importance of hard work and self- sufficiency.
Throughout his retirement, Marcellus continued to embody resilience and compassion, despite facing mobility challenges. He found solace in watching over his beloved neighborhood from his dining room window, a testament to his unwavering care for others. Family and friends knew to ride by slowly on “Brookside Road” because if they passed by the window, they knew he was sitting there in his favorite chair. He was a man of few words to some, but he had a “Big Heart” for others. He loved Westerns, Rock “N” Roll music, the acoustic guitar and his beloved wife often shared that he gave the best hugs.
His health started to decline earlier this year and his body could no longer support his will to be here. The family stood by his side every step of the way and on Thursday, April 11, 2024 he left us with countless memories and lessons that will be carried on for many years to come.
Marcellus is survived by his beautiful wife of 67 years, Celestine Fields , his four children: Tony Fields, Stacey Fields, Marcia Fields-Dukes and Shelya Fields. Additionally, he has two daughters-in-law: Sherian Fields, Sandra Fields and one son-in-law Joseph Dukes.
He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Sheldon Fields (Mikelle), Ashton Fields (Bethany), Stanton Fields, Ashlynn Fields, Celeste Fields, Kyla Dukes, Angeline Fields, Alston Dukes, Amani Dukes and Sheyla Fields. He lived to see his dream of having two great-grandsons: Miles Fields, August Fields and two more great-grandchildren on the way.
Marcellus is also survived by three remaining siblings of 15: Edith Davis, Daisy Ausby and John Earl Fields, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2Timothy 4:7
The family will be having a Zoom Meeting covering his service on Saturday. Please see the link below:
🌐 Computer or Mobile:
https://fb.zoom.us/j/95626269629?pwd=RTVrK1pRaENkM2tpVmpYVkhiSm5EZz09
📹 Zoom Meeting Info:
Meeting ID: 95626269629
Passcode: 852641
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