Barbara Joanne Fields

Barbara Joanne Fields, born Barbara Joanne Wedgeworth on July 14, 1938, in Overton, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. She lived a life marked by dedication, love, and a tireless commitment to her family and career, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A proud high school graduate, Barbara devoted much of her life to serving as a Preceptor at the Murdoch Center, where her nurturing nature and unwavering dedication made a profound impact. Known to many as a devoted mother and an excellent provider, Barbara balanced the demands of work with the joys and challenges of raising a loving family.

Barbara’s passions extended beyond her professional achievements. She loved to sew and immerse herself in the worlds found within books. Her enthusiasm for online shopping was a small but constant delight that brought her joy and kept her engaged with the world in her own unique way.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Emmett Doyle Wedgeworth and Hazel Motley Wedgeworth, who helped shape the values and strength that Barbara carried throughout her life.

Barbara leaves behind her cherished family who continue to celebrate her memory: her son, Benjamin Doyle Fields; daughters, Vicki Lorene Dement and Karan Marie Strecker; granddaughter, Laura Brogden; grandsons, Justin Newton and Tyler Slack; great-grandchildren, Haley Brogden and Kayla Hutson; and great-great-grandchildren, Jaylon King and Jordan King. Her lively spirit will also be dearly missed by her faithful companion, Scooby, her beloved fur baby.

A visitation to honor Barbara will be held on May 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Butner, located at 200 West D St, Butner, NC 27581. Following this, a funeral service will commence at 12:00 PM and conclude at 1:00 PM in the same location. Her final resting place will be at Carolina Memorial Gardens, 105 Moss Road, Creedmoor, North Carolina, where a burial service will begin at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to First Baptist Church of Butner at this link: https://onrealm.org/FirstBaptistChu20380/give/now or mail to 200 West D Street, Butner, NC 27509.

Barbara Joanne Fields lived a rich and meaningful life, filled with love, purpose, and quiet strength. Her legacy of dedication, both as a mother and a professional, will continue to inspire those who knew her. Though she has departed from this earth, the warmth of her spirit remains ever-present in the hearts of her family and friends. May her memory be a blessing and her soul find eternal peace.

Gentry-Newell & Vaughan is serving the Fields family. Online memorials may be made at www.gnvfuneralhome.com