Denise Fields

Passed 05/18/2022

Obituary For Denise Fields

We mourn the loss of Ms. Denise I. Fields, of Williamsburg, who departed this life May 18, 2022. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Ernestine H. Fields and James W. Fields. She received her BS degree from Norfolk State University. She was best described as a serial entrepreneur by virtue of her ability to turn creative ideas into successful business strategies. She was active in the small business communities of Greenville, SC, Richmond, VA and Norfolk, VA. She participated in projects that involved commercial design-build construction and facility management services; nonprofit administration and logistics projects for major corporations, educational institutions and government agencies. However, her greatest gift was to be a servant leader and champion for small businesses, women and minority-owned firms. When Denise found that a major corporation, educational institution or government agency was not doing what she considered to be the bare minimum according to her high standards, she would write a well-worded letter to give the leader of that organization a new perspective. Upon reading the letter, the leader would contact Denise to ask what should be done, and just like that, movers and shakers were changing history because of the catalyst for change that Denise had begun. Richmond became a better, more equitable business environment due to work behind the scenes of Ms. Denise I. Fields. Denise was fun-loving, energetic, dynamic and memorable to anyone who has ever encountered her. Even the people who competed with her in business would often remark about her tenacity and business acumen, but mostly about her fairness in any transaction in which she was a participant. Above all, Denise was a woman of integrity and goodwill. Her philosophy was always to make deposits in the "emotional bank accounts" of the friends, associates and even the competitors she encountered because you never know when you might need to make a withdrawal. As a result, Denise has developed a global network of friends and associates who are willing to be resources for helping other people solve problems and create solutions. To that end, Denise has mentored, helped and counseled (those who were wise enough to listen) many young people. She also served with boundless energy the needs and preferences of her senior friends and associates. In many ways, she used them as targets for her excess capacity once her one true love (Mrs. Ernestine Fields) passed away in 2009. We speak of Denise in the past tense with great difficulty and surrealism. She was always such a current part of our lives and her willingness to help anyone at a moment's notice was refreshing and rare in today's world. Denise will remain a positive moving spirit in our lives and we will miss her kindness, humor and genuine concern for all of us. Surviving are her brother, Gregory L. Mason (Crystal) of Norfolk, VA; nephews, Omonte Ward, KaShawn Mason and Rashid Mason; niece, Shanwta Wright; cousins, Delores Stevenson, Vivian Jones, Oliver Smith (Patricia), Cary Smith (Rosa), John Douglas Smith (Eve), Eric Whitehead and Tyris Casey and many other loving relatives, friends and associates. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chrysler Museum of Art Kaufman Theater, 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Denise I. Fields Endowed Scholarship Fund in the School of Business, Norfolk State University Foundation. Arrangements by Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, VA 23222. Online guestbook at scottsfuneralhome.com.