With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Rita Frances Fields Parks Miller, of Eden, Maryland, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher, and friend. After a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Rita entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by peace and the love of her family.
Born in Salisbury, Maryland, on September 2, 1950, Rita was the daughter of Richard and Frances Fields of Fruitland, MD. All who knew Rita knew her deep love for the Lord and her gift of never meeting a stranger. With over 45 years as an educator, Rita touched countless lives through her teaching and mentorship. She faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, youth director, and active ministry leader at St. John’s United Methodist Church from 1997-2023. Her career as an educator included teaching at Deal Island Elementary, Mount Vernon Elementary, Woodson Elementary, Washington High School, Wicomico High School, Peggy Pusey’s Driving School, and the Eastern Correctional Institute.
Rita was first married to the late Samuel “Sammy” Parks, with whom she shared a daughter, Angela Rathkamp (Jim). She later found love again with her husband of almost 50 years, Darryl Miller, who survives her. Rita is also survived by her daughter, Carrie Anne Taylor (Eric); her beloved grandchildren, Allison King (Michael), Emily Johnston (Alex), Sarah Ring (John), Jadyn Taylor, and Marissa Taylor; and her great-grandchildren, Noah, Dakota, Beckham, John Jr., and Cora. She also leaves behind her brother, Donald Fields (Lori), her sisters, Jayne Dryden (Ronnie) and Joyce Crouch (Jim); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Sammy Parks, in 1972, her parents, Richard and Frances Fields, and other loved ones who welcomed her home in glory.
A private family viewing will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury, Maryland, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Friends may begin visitation with family at 10:00 a.m., with a service of celebration beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment for family and close friends will take place at Siloam Church Cemetery, followed by a reception for family and friends at Emmanuel Wesleyan (approx. 1 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802, or Alzheimer’s Disease Research (BrightFocus Foundation), 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871.
Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.
