Mary Sue Fields

Mary Sue Fields, 94, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, heard the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" when she transitioned from her temporary earthly home to her forever home in Heaven on Friday morning, May 5, 2023.

Born in Ellijay, Georgia on November 27, 1928, just a few months prior to the onset of the Great Depression, Mary Sue grew up in the Whitestone area of Pickens County, Georgia with her wonderful, loving parents, Harry Hightower Chester Sr. and Grace Gartrell Chester, and her siblings whom she loved so very much. She accepted Jesus as her Savior in Whitestone, spent her high school years in Fairmount, Georgia, attended and graduated from Fairmount High School, and then returned to her beloved Whitestone. She was always proud to be a "country gal." Pickens/Gilmer County (Whitestone/Talking Rock) was always near and dear to her heart, and that love for Pickens/Gilmer County and the North Georgia Mountains has now been transferred to her family.

When Mary Sue was about 18 years old, she moved to "the city" (Atlanta), where she was introduced to John Fields, who would become her husband of 65 years following his service in the Army during WWII. After dating for a few years, Mary Sue and John married on June 19, 1948, in East Point, Georgia, and lived in the College Park and Atlanta area when the Lord blessed them with their only son, Keith Fields. They attended Beecher Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta's West End for many years and in 1969, they settled in Lithia Springs, where John had deep family roots. Shortly thereafter, they found their church home at Lithia Heights Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Louie Winstead, who was not only Mary Sue and John's Pastor for decades, but also a special friend and neighbor.

Mary Sue worked as a Telephone Operator at Southern Bell, 51 Ivy Street, Atlanta, for a few years, and even served as an Area Counselor for the local newspaper boys, but it was ultimately placed on her heart to be a homemaker who would point generations to Jesus.

Mary Sue and one of her sister's, Barbara "Bobbie" Couch had an incredibly special bond. In fact, Mary Sue helped to raise Bobbie's only son, Jim Couch, who is considered more of a son than a nephew. Mary Sue also absolutely adored and had a very special bond with nephews Ron, Bill, and Mike Simpson.

In November, 1980, Mary Sue was blessed with her first granddaughter, Jennifer, who would give her a special name that she carried for some 40+ years: "Gram." In November, 1983, her first grandson, Matt, was born. And in January, 1990, her second grandson, Chris, was born. Simply put, she was the wind beneath the wings of the grandchildren as she played a very active, instrumental role in their upbringing. Mary Sue also had several great-grandchildren who she absolutely adored, and who absolutely adored her. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many friends made over the course of 94 years will carry her with them in their hearts and minds forever.

Mary Sue has been reunited with her husband of 65 years, John H. Fields; her mother and father, Grace and Harry Chester Sr.; 8 siblings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Dianne Fields; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew), Matt, Chris (Taylor), step granddaughters Lori Wilson and Ashley Mitcham; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; cousins; and friends, including one of her best friends, Bobbie Lamb.

A special thanks to the staff, nurses, and administration of Presbyterian Village in Austell, where Mary Sue lived for the last five years. She enjoyed participating in activities such as bingo, musicals, ice cream socials, going on van rides, and the many friendships made over the past five years.

Gram was truly a Proverbs 31 lady. The "dash" between 1928 and 2023 represents a life of true grace and humility which was always poured out for others. Some of her favorite communicators of the Gospel were Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. Charles Stanley, and Louie Giglio. Her heart was absolutely on fire for Jesus, and she is safe with Him today and forever.

Death is not a period, but rather a comma. It is not the end, but rather the doorway into the very presence of Jesus, and Mary Sue walked through that doorway on Friday morning, May 5th, 2023.

There is simply no way to measure the impact Mary Sue Fields ("Gram") had on so many lives, but on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 2:00 PM, there will be a special graveside service at Mozley Memorial Gardens, 3180 S. Sweetwater Rd., Lithia Springs, Georgia, where her life and legacy will be remembered, and where her earthly body will be laid to rest beside her husband of 65 years. Gram welcomed everybody with open, loving arms, and we as a family will do the same as we remember and honor her well-lived life and legacy.

West Cobb Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. 2480 Macland Rd., Marietta, GA. 30064.

Immediate family will meet on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at noon, and a procession to Mozley Memorial Gardens in Lithia Springs will follow. Grandsons and family who were so precious to Gram will serve as pallbearers.