Beverly Jean Fields

Beverly Jean Bosley Fields was born on April 11, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, to Charles (Son) Bosley and Mary Magdalene Morris Bosley. As the sixth of ten siblings, she was raised in a loving and supportive family in the American Addition, one of Columbus's oldest neighborhoods, established in 1898. Her family’s roots trace back to Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, where her father was born and raised before moving to Columbus for better job opportunities.

Jean was a reserved young woman who found joy in the company of her family and friends in the neighborhood. With a compassionate spirit, she selflessly dedicated her time and resources to helping those in need. Her siblings were her closest companions, and she cherished the lifelong friendships she formed in childhood. Jean also had a creative side—sewing, cooking, and gardening were her passions. Her yard was a source of pride, and her delicious cakes and pies, especially her Lemon Pound Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Lemon Meringue, and Coconut Cream Pies, were beloved by family and friends.

Baptized at a young age at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church—originally founded in her grandparents' home—Jean’s unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, her family, and her church community was a cornerstone of her life. As she grew older, she fell in love with and married her childhood friend, Carl Webster "Chick" Fields, with whom she shared 74 years of marriage. Rev. R.F. Hairston Jr., the pastor of Mt. Zion, officiated their wedding. Together, they raised two daughters, Sharon Denise and Jacqueline Marie. Her nephew, Christopher Lamont, regarded her as a second mother because of their close bond. He lived next door and would insist on being in her car whenever it moved. Jean took great pride in raising her children and teaching them the values of kindness and wisdom.

Jean retired from AT&T/Lucent Technologies after more than thirty years of dedicated service. She was known for being a reliable, dependable, and hardworking woman.

Jean also had a playful side, particularly regarding her love for THE Ohio State University Buckeyes. If you walked into her home during the week, you would often find her and Chick watching a sporting event. Her first question when watching TV was, “Is there a game on?” It was only fitting that the day after her passing, her family gathered to watch THE Buckeyes dismantle Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Before her illness, she would have been with them, cheering and shouting with excitement.

During her illness, Jean was lovingly cared for by her husband Chick, her family, her caregiver Jackie Jones, and Jackie’s team. After battling Alzheimer’s for many years, she peacefully went home to be with the Lord from the comfort of her home.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Charles (Son) and Mary Bosley; her mother-in-law, Mary Fields; siblings Pearl Edwards, Julia Mae Holmes, Queen Elizabeth Williamson, Sarah Bosley, Mary “Baby” Bosley, Troy Bosley, Doris Blake, and Curtis Bosley; and son-in-law Charles “Geno” Wise.

She is survived by her husband, Chick; sister, Earlene Fields; children Sharon (Donald) Simpson, Jackie Wise, and special son Christopher (Lorna) Fields; grandchildren Brian Simpson, Corey Simpson, Shaniece (Stafford) Spencer, Chad (Nalo) Wise, and Stephanie Spencer; great-grandchildren Brian II, Imani, Elena, Elisa, Khasai, Isabella, Serenity, Brandon, Ivory, Chad Jr., Corey Jr., Peyton, Esequiah, Xavier, and Caleb; special niece Baretta Fields Hardimon, who faithfully brought donuts, toiletries, and checked in every Sunday; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Jean’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.