A true Midland treasure left for her heavenly home Monday night, November 12th, after passing away peacefully at her earthly home in Historic Midland. She was born in Midland to Glenn S. Brunson and Nellie Elkin Brunson on December 22, 1926. In 1885, her grandparents were instrumental in starting up the Midland National Bank and a couple of ranches which are still family-owned. A graduate of Midland High School in 1944 and TCU in 1948, she later obtained her Master’s degree in counseling from The University of Texas in 1966. In 1948 she married Larry Fields who had been stationed at Sloan Field (Midland International Airport) during the war. She had one son in 1951, David Brunson Fields, who had a three-decades-long career as a pilot with American Airlines. David continues to run the family businesses and is building a new office building (The Brunson Building) at the site of the original family homestead built by his grandparents in 1928. Nellie attended the groundbreaking ceremony three weeks before her passing, courtesy of builder Louie Caraveo and was thrilled that the land would be put to very good use. She enjoyed the day, and family and friends enjoyed seeing her have a good time. In the 1950’s and ‘60s, she taught school at Bonham Elementary, Trinity and Hillander. Many of her students would remark, decades later, that she had a profound effect on their lives. If the measure of a person’s life is how she influenced others’ lives, Nellie was a complete success. She donated to numerous charities and offered wonderful bits of advice to family, friends, and strangers in need of help and comfort. She was a rock to the Brunson family and will forever be missed. If she could speak, she would thank all of the folks who were very kind to her: the ladies of her quilting group, particularly Linda Paige – the members of the local Mensa group – the ladies of Home Care Assistance of West Texas, particularly Brandy Pagett, a true angel who became like a daughter to her and who went to great lengths to make her happy and comfortable during her final year of earthly life - Janet Green and Jacquelyn Venable who watched over her and made her laugh a lot during her final decade. Nellie is survived by her extended family, mentioned above, son David Fields, grandsons Heath Glenn and wife Jessica, Brant Glenn and wife Angela, future daughter-in-law Janet Green, nephews Grier Brunson, Evan Brunson and wife Taylor, James Gripp and wife Whitney, Ben Hood and wife Kim, Taylor Hood and wife Kristen, Harrison Hood and niece Ella Hood. Nellie was a devout Christian and attended The First Christian Church of Midland for many decades. In her final days she, upon awakening, occasionally remarked about how beautiful God was and how beautiful the colors were in heaven. It is no surprise to any who knew her that she is now experiencing the beauty of her new home and the peace that she so richly deserves. We love you, Mom.
