Mrs. Sylvia Fields Smith was born Dec. 19, 1942. She departed this life on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at UAB Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama.
She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Grace House Church, Florence, Alabama.
She was a member or numerous organizations: foster grandparent at Handy Head Start, Shoals Democratic Club, Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee, American Legion Auxiliary Master at Arms, Grace House Sunday Greeter, AARP Member, NAACP, and TNBA Rocket City Senate Charter Member.
Sylvia had a love for bowling and was an avid bowler for over 35 years. She was a member of the Muscle Shoals Bowling League, “Dream Team” member, Captain of “Cheap Skape”, Wednesday night his and hers league, member of the Greater Shoals Bowling Associate Executive Committee, All Tournament Teams member for four years, three-time Woman Bowler of the year, first African American female to bowl a 700 series, first African American female inducted into the Greater Bowling Hall of Fame, 15 years plus League of Champions High Average Game and Series Awards, and two-time Woman Bowler of the Year.
She loved her family, growing flowers and vegetables. She loved her neighbors, bowling friends, The American Legion, Grace House Church family, and most of all she loved Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Fields and Ellen Lovelace Fields; sister, Ellen Virginia (Bay Honey) Fields Griffin; and brother, Marion Fields Jr.
Sylvia will forever be remembered by her husband of 53 years, Dave Smith; three sons, David Smith, Memphis, Tennessee, Vincent Smith (Kim), Florence, Alabama, and Alfye Smith, Atlanta, Georgia; two daughters, Gina Smith Jones, Florence, Alabama, and Angela Smith Austin, Memphis Tennessee; ten grandchildren, Tanjaneka Smith, Jared Smith, Tierra Jones, TiAndra Austin, Alexis Smith, Austin Smith, Tamira Jones, Alijah Smith, Nicholas Smith, and Noah Smith; three great-grandchildren, Micah Macke, Maurielle Stephens, and Kylan Atkinson; three sisters, Emma (Pug) Fields Harden (Charlie), Evelyn (Bertha) Fields Doneghy (Jim), and Janet Fields Foster (Samuel); two brothers, Oscar Fields (Myrtle) and Wilbur (Ricky) Fields; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.
Visitation with the family will be today from 6-8 p.m. at Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, Alabama.
Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be noon Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Florence, Alabama, with Pastor Eddie Lawrence officiating.
Burial is in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Florence, Alabama.
The body will be placed in the church at 11 a.m.
The public viewing will be today, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, is directing.
