Mattie Mae

Mattie Mae Fields, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness. Born on June 18, 1937, in Sumter, South Carolina, Mattie was the daughter of the late John and Ida Mae Wingate. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to have known her. In 1957, Mattie married the love of her life, Jeremiah Fields, and together they created a beautiful legacy with their three children. Their union lasted 53 glorious years, filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family. Though Jeremiah, their son Calvin, and daughter Georgia have since passed, Mattie's love for her surviving daughter, Marinda, along with her 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, was boundless. She was also a beloved aunt to a multitude of nieces and nephews. A woman of remarkable strength and determination, Mattie was the proud owner of a bar for 30 years, where her quick wit and infectious laugh were as much a draw as the warmth and hospitality that filled her establishment. Beyond her career, Mattie was a pillar of her faith community at Bethlehem New Baptist Church for over two decades. As a dedicated usher and choir member, she shared her love of singing and her commitment to service, enriching the lives of her fellow congregants and friends. Mattie's interests were as vibrant as her personality. She took great joy in crocheting, creating heartfelt gifts for her loved ones, and spent countless joyful hours surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the lights of her life. Mattie's legacy is one of love and laughter, characterized by her unwavering dedication to her family and community. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jeremiah, her son Calvin, her daughter Georgia, and her nine siblings. Her spirit, however, lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. In accordance with her wishes, a private funeral ceremony will be held to honor her life and memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice in her honor. Mattie Mae Fields will forever be remembered for her love, warmth, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her.