Mr. Morris C. Fields Sr.

On April 23, 1942 in Terry, Mississippi, the world was gifted Morris Calvin Fields, Sr. He was the eldest child of the late Mr. Matthew McNair, Sr. and Mrs. Deloris Fields McNair, and Mr. Clifton Kendrick. He was blessed to live a remarkable and full life. Morris was 80 years of age when he peacefully departed this life to the next. His early years began in Terry, Mississippi. He grew up surrounded by cousins and family. He often joked about how spoiled and mischievous he was. He was educated through Jackson Public Schools, last attending Jim Hill High School where he played football before going to work. As a young man, Morris moved to Gulfport, Mississippi to work. It was there he met Doris Turner. The two fell in love and married December 31, 1961, and two children were born to this union. After leaving Gulfport, Morris and his family moved to Terry, MS, Chicago, IL, Jackson, MS, and Enterprise, MS, where they settled. Morris was a trained plumbing specialist and worked in that profession for over 50 years throughout the state of Mississippi. He was successful and sought after for years and has passed on his knowledge to many that worked with him. The joy of his work came from farming. Morris was known for decades to have successful planting seasons annually. Not only did he sell some of his harvests, he often supplied his friends, family, and neighbors with the fruits of his labor. He planted greens, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, watermelon, pears, figs, corn, sugar cane, and other fruits and vegetables. He was known to have the best sweet potatoes around. He also put many of his nephews, children, and grandchildren to work in the fields, saying "you can always have you something to eat." Morris also loved dealing in livestock. He bought and sold pigs, cows, goats, horses, chickens, and guineas. Those closest to him have had the pleasure of walking the fields and letting him show off his animals. Out of all of his many accomplishments, Morris was able to make a part of Black history. He and his friends started the first Black horse riding club in Jackson, Mississippi, which was also the first Black riding club to participate in the city's Christmas parade. Morris often spoke about his faith in God. He attributed his introduction to the Lord to his wife. He was diagnosed and beat cancer over 30 years ago. This testimony was shared with others and inspired many to keep strong in their journeys. He began his service to the church in 1983 as a deacon and trustee and continued until his departure. Many will remember Morris the most for his storytelling and humor. As the self-proclaimed "Walking Encyclopedia", he kept everyone entertained with his stories and jokes. He often danced and sang. He's known for his own remixes, most notably turning Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" into "Wait a Minute, Mrs. Fields", dedicated to his wife. Morris leaves a legacy of family and friends behind who will cherish the memories he made with them. His children: Sharon Cross and Morris C. (Vearnell) Fields, Jr.; Grandchildren: Angelica (Tony) Fields-Morgan, Angel (Keith) Clark, Joshua Cross, Vernesha Fields and Jeremy Watson; Great-Grandchildren: Aaliyah Rew, Cason Morgan, Kaydence Clark, Kerrington Morgan, Jayce Watson and Quan Watson; Siblings: Arthur Brown, Barbara (Charles) Williams, Ruby McNair, Michelle Kendrick and Jessie Mae Hubbard; God-daughter Jessica Milton-Brister; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; close friends Otis and Dessie Ree Wilson, Charles Swanner and Family, Mamie Houston and Willie "Buster" Matthews, and dear brothers and sisters in Christ of Thirty-first M.B. Church, New Fellowship M.B. Church, and Brown Hill M.B. Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and his loving wife Mrs. Doris T. Fields. Morris loved to live, give love, and spread joy. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to achieve more than he did, strive for any goals, but always remain humble. He exemplified being happy and persevering through bad times. As he always said, "The blues ain't nothing but a good man feeling bad."

Mr. Morris C. Fields Sr.

April 23, 1942 - November 29, 2022