Mary Hollidy Fields

On November 5, 2021, as the crispness of a fall day gave way to the setting sun, God called Mary Hollidy Thomas Fields to her eternal rest. With her eldest daughter, Holli, faithfully gracing her side, Mary peacefully transitioned at her home in Stone Mountain, Georgia, following a courageous battle with cancer. God blessed her with the love and support of her family throughout her illness, with her youngest daughter, Kelli, playing a pivotal role as caregiver in her final months.

Poised for greatness, Mary was born May 18, 1947 in Paris, Kentucky to Carrie Belle Dale Thomas and Arthur Thomas. During her formative years, she attended Western High School and graduated from Paris High School. Mary’s educational path led her to Fisk University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. She was an esteemed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mary was employed as a Research Assistant at Kentucky State University and graciously served as the graduate advisor to the Alpha Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Mary enjoyed spending time doing the things she loved with the people she loved. She excelled as a homemaker, often treating her family to various culinary delights. Her delectable signature dishes, which ranged from broccoli casserole and salmon croquettes, to rum cake and pumpkin pie, will be sorely missed. Known as the resident “card shark,” Sweetpea was known to confidently challenge any takers in spades, bid whist, and tonk. She found joy in thrifting, traveling, and even played on a softball team with her mother. A staunch supporter of her family, Mary was as comfortable cheering on her grandchildren and niece and nephew in sporting events and educational milestones, as she was singing to her great-granddaughter in French.

Mary’s journey of faith began with her profession of Christ and service as a lifetime member of Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church in Paris, Kentucky. While living in Stone Mountain, she faithfully attended New Bethel A.M.E. Church School.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Belle Dale Thomas and Arthur Thomas; grandmother, Lucy Brown Patterson; great aunt, Sally “Leora” Robinson; brother, Marvin Elliot Parker; beloved grandson, Denzel LeShun Steward; niece, Kimberly Rene’ Neil; wonderful brother-in-love, Dennis Neil; loving cousins, Helen Brooks and Larry Evans; and dearest aunt-in-love, Bobbie Neal Thomas.
Mary is survived by her loving children, Holli Marie (Bobby) Mason; Orson Eric (Camille) Steward; Darryl LeShun (Tonette) Steward; and Kelli JoAnn (fiancé Alfonzo Johnson) Fields; siblings, Dale Parker Neil, Darryl Hathman Parker, Cydney Todd Parker, M.D. and her sister-in-love, Patricia Boykin; grandchildren: Todd Mason, Ella and Makenna Steward, Jayda and Reign Steward, Ashtyn and Jayden Fields; great grandchildren: Cydney Noelle and Todd Jamaal Mason II; cherished and esteemed, matriarchal cousin Sadie Melson and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Service 12pm Friday, November 19, 2021 at Shorter Chapel AME Church,116 Chaplin Street, Paris, KY 40361. Visit 11am

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