Agnes Norrine Fields

On March 3, 1938 Wilbert and Frances Snell of Howard County, Maryland became parents to their eighth of eleven children, she was named Agnes. This child would grow and develop as one of God’s faithful servants, the Reverend Agnes Norrine Fields. Her abundant life has yielded virtuous fruit, overwhelming love and a lifetime of fulfillment.The former Agnes Snell was educated in the Howard County Public School System and graduated from Harriet Tubman High School. She continued her theological matriculation at the Baltimore School of the Bible, from where she later commenced.Agnes accepted Christ as her personal Savior at the St. Stephens A.M. E Church in Howard County, Maryland, then under the pastorate of Rev. Frank Gray. There, you could find the young Agnes, experiencing her early Christian development, serving as an usher, choir soloist, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and giving recitations for special occasions. As a young adult, she and her husband joined Bethany Baptist Church in 1957,then under the leadership of Rev. Clinton Johnson. Bethany became the place that spawned her ministry. In October 1975, Agnes acknowledged her call to the preaching ministry and delivered her initial sermon and was licensed to preach God’s word by Rev. James Reynolds. She was ordained three years later by Rev. Alonzo White of Mt. Carmel Baptist church. Thereafter, she continued serving at Bethany, assuming the position of Acting Pastor for a year during the late 1970’s.Under the direction of the Holy Spirit and along with her husband, she united with the New Psalmist Baptist Church with Dr. Walter S. Thomas. New Psalmist became the launching pad for a ministry that would touch thousands of lives. Reverend Fields was a pioneer for women in the preaching ministry, as she held the distinction as the first female minister in the history of New Psalmist Baptist Church. In this role, she became a mentor, confidant and coach for the many women who would follow her. Reverend Fields unconditional love for people enabled her to minister to families who were dealing with sickness and coping with bereavement. She ministered to countless individuals in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. Rev. Fields personified the words of Jesus as recorded by Matthews 25:35-36, “For I was hungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me.” She possessed a unique and rare anointing that granted her the fortitude to minister out of her own struggles and challenges with illness. In fact, she never complained about her circumstances. Reverend Fields will always be remembered for her appreciation to God for allowing her to be one of His servants. She was grateful to be one of God’s chosen vessels, and she wouldoften exclaim, “If I had ten thousand tongues, I couldn’t thank Him enough!” Some of her major accomplishments at New Psalmist include: Founder of the Spread the Word Ministry, founder of the Prison Ministry, Wednesday Bible Study Class Instructor, Wednesday Noon Day Service – Worship Leader, Chapel Holy Communion Service, Minister to Families, Evangelism workshop leader for “Kickin it with the King:, Pulpit Aid Committee Ministerial Liaison, and Missionary to Haiti in 1980. She loved her church and her Pastor. She always acknowledged her Pastor as “the very fine Dr. Walter Scoot Thomas.” Revered Fields cherished New Psalmist and new Psalmist loved her in return.After 30 years of faithful service, Rev. Fields retired from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maryland, where she served as a claims examiner. Not only did she take her job seriously, she ministered to her fellow co-workers and supervisors alike, leading a work Bible study and winning many souls for Jesus Christ. Co-workers regarded her as a confidant, leader and friend. Rev. Fields was often recognized as the top claims examiner in her unit, going an extra mile to meet the need of those she serviced.Agnes married her childhood sweetheart, John “Tommy” Fields, and together they would enjoy more than 48 years of wedded bliss. During this union, Agnes became the proud mother of Helen Fields-Moore and John T. (“Bucky”) Fields, Jr. Her husband fondly recalls her wanting everything in the right place at all times. Her children were a source of joy and love to her all the days of her life. The ultimate joy and pride of her life were her precious grandchildren, Natia Norrine Moore and Justin Aaron Moore.While bravely facing the challenges of a lengthy illness, Revered Fields was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2003. Actually as witnessed by the nursing staff at Franklin Square Hospital, Reverend Fields spent that wonderful morning singing God’s praises, praying, buying yellow flowers, peanuts and candy. That morning, Rev. Fields spoke with her husband and children on the telephone, as they received her special request of the day, just as she always did. Before they would see her again, Rev. Fields decided to answer her most important call at 12:45 p.m., she sweetly and peacefully responded and entered into eternal rest.Reverend Agnes Norrine Fields name is indelible embedded in the history of New Psalmist Baptist Church and the lives of those she encountered along her fragrant journey: her devoted husband, Deacon John T. Fields, Sr.; her loving children Helen Fields-Moore and John T. Fields, Jr.; two magnificent grandchildren, Natia Norrine Moore and Justin Aaron Moore; three adopted grandchildren, Brittany, Tiara and Lamont; one son-in-law, Kenneth Moore; one daughter-in-law, Vicki Fields, three brothers, Wilbert Snell, Gerald Snell, and Calvin Snell; three sisters, Leenna Martin, Lillian Bradford and Annie Snell; one godson, Rodell Branford; a very special co-labored in the ministry her nephew, Minister Bennie Thomas; three precious friends, Sis. Jean Barber, Sis. Mary Causion, Deaconess Agnes Settles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Tributes

Agnes Norrine Fields

March 3, 1938 - December 3, 2003