Karen Smith Fields

Karen Alexa Fields was born in Washington, D.C. to the late Jeff Smith and Elizabeth Rhone-Smith on February 11, 1956. Karen was full of life and her infectious smile touched the hearts of many. Karen was the mother of three beautiful daughters: the late (and truly missed) Geniene Hester, Daysha Hester-Phimphone, and Tiffany Hester. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Oshja Hester, Evan Phimphone, Starla Phimphone, whom she loved endlessly. Karen leaves behind a loving son-in-law Mr. Somsak Phimphone whom she has asked to take care of her daughter and grandchildren. She has a special Godmother Constance Wright of Washington, D.C. and special aunts Doris Smith and Shirley Hylton both of Washington, D.C. She has a husband, Mr. James Fields, of Hagan, Ga.

Much of Karen's adult life was spent in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and New York. She once enjoyed traveling, Broadway plays, fine dining, and shopping. Karen attended private schools and received Montessori education in Washington, D.C. In 1981, Karen moved to Claxton, Ga. She was courageous in her pursuit of independence as she left the cities that she loved to begin a new life with her three children.

Karen began a career as a psychiatric nurse in 1997. She and her daughter, Geniene Hester, were the first mother-daughter nursing students to graduate from Southeastern Technical Institute in Vidalia, Ga. They were a great team of nurses who left marks on the hearts of many.

Tiffany and Daysha became sole caretakers of their mother in November 2015. They provided around-the-clock care for her until they were told that they could no longer render the care needed for their mother. On March 28, 2016, Daysha and Tiffany released their mother into the care of a loving staff at Westview Nursing and Rehabilitation. The staff was diligent in caring for her until the day of her departure. She had a special nurse Ms. Kathlyn Purvis and a special nursing assistant Ms. Shanita Cluney. Ms. Phyllis Cole and other nurses at Westview left a place in Karen's heart.

Karen was a member of First African Baptist Church and they have provided an outpouring of love to her as she prepared to receive her new body in Heaven. Karen received her wings on June 6, 2016. She will be missed but her memory lives on through those who love her.

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2016 at the First African Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia.

Arrangements has been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel.