Betty Wheatley Fields

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Wheatley Fields (affectionately known as Mimi), aged 86, who peacefully left this world Friday, September 20th, 2024. Betty was born on June 17th, 1938, in Dorchester, Virginia as the 10th child, of an eventual 13, to Bernard Fletcher Wheatley and Emma Myrtle Robinette, where she spent her childhood dreaming of a future filled with love and laughter. She leaves behind a tapestry of vibrant memories woven through her adventures and the hearts of those she cherished. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Franklin Fields, and her 12 other siblings Ulysses, Carl, Trula, Rudolph, Ival, John, Gloria, Paul, Robert, Earnest (Jack), Dennis, and Donald. Betty is survived by her loving children, Diana Synowiec (Edward) and Patricia Handley (Richard); her adoring grandchildren, Savannah Kepley (Kyle), Ashleigh Kehl, Emily Avant (Blake), Ryan Martin (Jennie), and Michelle Handley; her precious great-grandchildren Kristian and Wheatley Kepley, Julia and Noah Kehl, Mason Avant, Jackson and Riley Foster, and Elloree and Lillian Martin. Her legacy of kindness and love will forever resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Betty’s journey through life was defined by her insatiable curiosity and unyielding fervor. From the staunch military bases in the Philippines and Germany to the remote outcrops of Alaska, she embraced every corner of the globe with open arms, an open heart, and an untempered will that would even land her on an Air Force one flight. Her stories of family, travel, or career were laced with laughter and a jocular mischievousness that worked to magnetically draw people in, inspire her grandchildren, and ensure she never met a stranger. A stalwart matriarch, Betty embodied love in its most profound form. She was the rock of her family, a nurturing presence whose warmth and wisdom guided her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through life’s many twists and turns. With each shared meal and every cozy evening spent together, she instilled values of resilience, kindness, and the importance of following one’s dreams. Betty’s spirit was indomitable; she faced challenges with grace, teaching those around her that strength does not solely come from victories but from the courage to rise after setbacks. Her laughter was infectious, her hugs were healing, and her unwavering belief in others inspired all who had the privilege to know her. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 12:00-1:00 PM at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home with a service to follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home Chapel. Burial will follow at Florence National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Greenwood Baptist Church at 2401 Claussen Rd, Florence, SC, 29505 or McLeod Hospice House P. O. Box 100551, Florence, SC, 29502.