Verna Marie Fields

A Jacksonville, FL native, Verna dedicated nearly half of her life to being a teacher and principal, where her patience and kindness shaped the lives of countless children, as well as the teachers and staff who flourished under her thoughtful mentorship. She also served as a faithful member of Lakeshore Family Fellowship church for close to four decades, actively supporting programs that help others grow their relationship with God.

Verna graduated valedictorian from Paxon High School and earned a Masters in Education from the University of Florida. She spent the first 8 years of her career teaching at Palm Avenue and Mt. Herman Exceptional Student Centers, and Mamie Agnes Jones Elementary, then served as Principal for 24 years at 3 Duval County Elementary schools: Windy Hill (1983-1989), Lone Star (1989-1995), and Chimney Lakes (1995-2007).

Following her retirement, Verna continued to pursue her passions. She volunteered to become a “Big Sister” with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of NE FL, and remained close with her “Little” for more than a decade. In 2017, she was named “Big Sister of the Year” for the entire state of Florida, a recognition of her genuine love for children and desire to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Verna also seized every opportunity to travel, whether with family or longtime friends. During her 18 years of retirement, she pursued her goal of visiting all 50 States and also explored Europe and the Caribbean. She could also often be found enjoying a book on her couch with a cat on her lap.

Verna is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Mike; children, Jenna (Travis) Cuzick and Jarret; brothers, Dennis (Beth) and Russell (Liz); sister-in-law, Linda; brothers-in-law Bert (Pam), Keith (Vangie), Kevin (Lisa), Kendall (Alice) and Chris; 14 nieces and nephews, and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Al; mother, Hope; brother, Mike; nephew, Jeffrey Novak; and niece, Hope Novak; as well as her father-in-law, James Fields, and mother-in-law, Virginia Hawkins Fields. Every one of whom she loved very, very much.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at https://www.bcrf.org/ in Verna’s memory.

A Visitation will be held Monday May 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM, at Lake Shore Family Fellowship, 2246 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210. A Funeral service will take place in the same location at 11:00 AM. The Committal service will take place May 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM, at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32218.