Funeral services for Ms. Essie Fields, 84, of 1897 Dellwood Drive, Orangeburg, will be held 2:00pm, Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, with interment to follow in Belleville Memorial Gardens. Rev. Dr. Ephriam D. Stephens is officiating.

Essie Mae Brown- Fields was born on June 12, 1939, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to the Late Adam Brown Sr. and Emma Gardner- Brown. Essie transitioned to be with the Lord on September 4, 2023, at Edisto Acute Care, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Essie accepted Christ as her savior at an early age and joined Bull Swamp Baptist Church, Orangeburg, SC.

Essie received her formal education in the public schools of Orangeburg County and matriculated to Claflin University (then Claflin College) after graduating from high school.

Essie met and married Alphonso Fields on February 15, 1959.

Essie retired in 2004 from Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, after many years of faithful service. She was also the owner and operator of Brown Derby Restaurant, until her health failed.

Essie loved cooking, singing and entertaining. She was sassy and full of life.

Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonso Fields; son: Alan O. Fields Sr.; daughter, Arelia (Jackie) Mathis; and grandsons: Alan O. Fields Jr., Marshawn Green Williams.

Essie leaves to cherish found memories, two sons: Donald (Michelle) Fields of Orangeburg, SC and Gregory (Karen) Fields of Monks Corner, SC; brother, Melvin Brown of New York; special friends: Mrs. Hilda Stephens and Mrs. Milred Richardson; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Ms. Mae Magaret Bookard, Ms. Nicole Mack and Ms. Monica Green.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 1:00pm - 6:00pm.

Family and friends may visit the residence, 1897 Dellwood Drive, Orangeburg, or call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com