Minerva Ardonia "Cakie" (Trice) Fields

The service for Mrs. Fields will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

Minerva Ardonia Trice Fields transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, December 20, 2021. Minerva was affectionately called “Cakie” by her family and friends. The daughter of Roy and Essie Womack Trice, she was born April 25, 1924. She attended Durham Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Hillside High School class of 1942. Minerva joined White Rock Baptist Church at the age of 12. Through the years Minerva participated in many church activities: Sunday School, Boy Scouts of America Troop #55 Den Mother, former President of the Deaconess Board, Senior Choir and Sheepfold. In addition to these activities, she has carried on her family’s legacy of missionary work as a long-time member of the Missionary Circle, organized by her grandmother. One major project that she was very proud of was her involvement in the stained-glass window installation at the church, assisting the late Raymond Williams. Minerva was involved in many organizations and held leadership positions including Past Commandress of Daughter of Isis Zafa Court #41, Daughters of Dorcas, Golden Circle #218 and Order of the Eastern Star #379. She was also a lifelong supporter and past member of NAACAP and NCNW. Minerva thoroughly enjoyed her Friendly Forty Social Club and going to the Senior Center for exercise classes and Kings in the Corner Group until her health no longer allowed her to participate. Minerva believed in community involvement. She worked with the Durham Board of Elections and the local chapter of AARP.

Minerva was a trailblazer in the workforce. She retired from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences as a biological laboratory technician. She was featured in several news articles about her experiments in clinical pharmacology and systemic toxicology. Minerva had previously worked at Duke Hospital and the VA Hospital as a laboratory technician. She loved learning and would often share stories of her work experiences.

Minerva was married to the late Odell Fields for 59 years and from their union four children were born. Leaving to cherish her memory are Barbara Fields Hibbert, Paulette Fields Singletary, Ronald Anthony Fields (Sally), and Linda Fields Fuller (Sylvester). The legacy will live on through her grandchildren Donna Hibbert Jackson, Lori Singletary Powe, Lisa Hibbert, Jami Singletary, Courtney Fields, Jennifer Fuller, Morgan Fuller and Rodney Fields (deceased); her great-grandchildren Daniel Hibbert, Leah Simpson, Nala Jackson, Nathaniel Powe III, Jalen Fields, Rashaad Fields, Rodney Fields Jr.; her beloved sister Winfried Headen, sister-in-law Janetta Gasden, goddaughter Wanda Gayle Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Minerva traveled around the world with her husband and family. She was fortunate to have visited France, England, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Egypt, Israel, and the Holy Land to name a few. Minerva would delight in sharing wisdom and pleasures with her family and friends. Young people had a special place in her heart. Minerva’s legacy is one of God’s love, respect, honesty, and truth. Her constant prayer was that she would be an inspiration and blessing to others along her life’s journey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Minerva Ardonia "Cakie" (Trice) Fields, please visit our floral store.