The earthly phase of a remarkable life ended with the passing of Gladys Antoinette “Toni” Westray Fields at her Benbow Park residence in Greensboro on March 3, 2024.

She was born at home in our nation’s capital on August 17, 1927, the last of seven children of William Herbert and Mabel Gaskins Westray. During Toni’s 96 years she enjoyed the golden age of radio, endured World War II, graduated from Virginia State College, married her college sweetheart, taught in New York City public schools, raised three children, led a Girl Scout troop, earned a master’s degree, taught at NC A&T State University, amassed one of the country’s largest collections of Black dolls, became a quilter and crafter, practiced environmentalism as a recycler and composter, witnessed man on the moon and a Black man as president, joined Facebook and even taught computer use to fellow seniors at her local library.

Toni’s husband, Richard L. Fields, Ed. D, predeceased her in 2009. She is survived by her children, Richard Alan Fields Sr., M.D./Sylvia Crisp Fields; Mark Lewis Fields, M.D., and Tracy Antoinette Fields, M. Comm; two grandchildren, Kirstyn Elanete Fields Martin/Harold Lee Martin Jr., and Richard Alan Fields Jr./Kristin Major Fields; five great grandchildren: Harold Lee Martin III, Serena Janelle Martin, Richard Samuel Fields, Zoe Sarai Fields, Farrah Sarai Fields; numerous loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 E. Market St., Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of ‘Mrs. Gladys Westray Fields’ to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or www.DementiaSociety.org/donate. The family also encourages support for Meals on Wheels; please send checks to Senior Resources of Guilford, 1401 Benjamin Pkwy., Greensboro NC 27408; note MOW in memory of Gladys W. Fields on the subject line.

Cards and letters may be sent to 2213 New Castle Road, Greensboro, NC, 27406.