Frances Payne Fields

Frances Payne Fields, 88, of Fruitland passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake and entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Frances was born on July 5, 1926 in Tasley, Virginia to the late George “Will” Payne and Annie Wilson Payne. She attended Accomack County schools before moving to Princess Anne with her family in 1942. She retired from the Salisbury State College Library, in 1988. With a servant’s heart, Frances devoted much of her life caring for her family and friends, gladly taking coffee breaks and offering a listening ear to those who stopped by to visit. She loved to cook, especially making cakes for church, family, and friends. She frequently prepared meals for family gatherings in her home. When she was able, Frances also loved tending to her flowerbeds around her yard. She was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Fruitland, where, over the years, she assisted in the nursery, with annual bazaars, and helped prepare and serve dinners to the Fruitland Lions Club. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Donald and Lori Fields, of Siloam, Rita and Darryl Miller of Allen, Joyce and Jim Crouch of Liberty, IN, and Jayne and Ronnie Dryden of Princess Anne; grandchildren, Dawn and Rich Turner, of Delmar, Pam and David Price of Delmar, Angela and Jim Rathkamp of Princess Anne, Carrie-Anne and Eric Taylor of Salisbury, Kim Dryden and fiancé Ronnie Whayland of Salisbury, Jessica Dryden of Princess Anne, and Jonathan Crouch of Liberty, IN; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way, special niece, Judy Johnson, sister-in-law, Lois Payne, and several other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard N. Fields in 1967; three brothers, Maurice Payne, Harry Payne, and Wilson Payne; and one sister, Dorothy Widdowson. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2PM at St John’s United Methodist Church in Fruitland. Rev. Karen Sadvari will officiate. Private interment will be held in Siloam Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. John’s UMC, P.O. Box 236, Fruitland, MD 21826 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.