July 15, 2025

Remembering Frances Ann Fields: A Legacy of Education and Community Service

News Summary

Frances Ann Fields, a beloved educator and community leader from Bowling Green, passed away at the age of 90. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, she contributed significantly to women’s education and community service. Fields was a professor emeritus at Western Kentucky University, actively engaged in philanthropic efforts, and recognized for her dedication. She is survived by her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. A memorial service will be held in her honor, and contributions can be made to educational funds in her name.

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Frances Ann Fields, a well-respected educator and community leader, passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 90. A longstanding resident of Bowling Green, Fields hailed from Huntsville, Alabama, and was known for her significant contributions to education and community service.

Fields, who was the daughter of the late Gerald Earl Haught and Frances Slayton Haught, had an extensive academic career. She graduated from the University of Alabama and subsequently obtained further qualifications from Western Kentucky University (WKU). For over three decades, she served as a faculty member in the English Department at WKU, where she retired as a professor emeritus.

Recognized for her commitment to women’s education, Fields was honored by the University Women’s Alliance. She also worked as a writing consultant for various businesses and presented workshops at the National Council of Teachers of English meetings. Furthermore, she served as the state coordinator for writing achievement awards and co-authored a college writing textbook. Additionally, Fields was a reader for the Educational Testing Service.

Before her esteemed tenure at WKU, she educated students in public schools in Knoxville, Tennessee, and taught at Louisiana State University. Beyond her educational commitments, Fields was involved in several philanthropic endeavors through the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a women’s organization that promotes education for women. She was a charter member of Chapter AH in Bowling Green, previously held the position of past president of Chapter D, and actively participated in the Kentucky State Chapter.

Fields served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the International Peace Scholarship and was a member of the Board of Trustees for Cottey College, where she played a role in both the presidential search committee and capital campaign cabinet. Her leadership extended to the International Executive Board and the International Chapter P.E.O., during which time she visited state chapter conventions in 48 states and Canadian provinces, including all chapters in Alaska and Hawaii.

A dedicated member of the First Christian Church, Fields served in various capacities including deacon, elder, committee chair, and board chair. She also contributed to the Browning Literary Club, where her membership spanned over 60 years. Her services and contributions earned her the honor of being designated a Kentucky Colonel three times, along with being named an honorary citizen of Louisville.

Frances Ann Fields is survived by her husband of 70 years, Noland Fields. She leaves behind two daughters: Laura Fields Eason of Fairhope, Alabama, and Julia Fields Naylor of Yorba Linda, California. Additionally, she is survived by three grandchildren, Jack Fields Eason of Bowling Green, Kentucky; William Embry Naylor of Lexington, Kentucky; and Annie Fields Naylor of St. Joseph, Michigan. Fields also shared her family with a great-granddaughter, Willow Ann Naylor of Lexington, Kentucky, a sister, Jeri Topp of Charleston, West Virginia, along with other extended family members including a nephew and a niece.

Visitation for Frances Ann Fields will be held at First Christian Church, located at 1106 State Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. This will be followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Local arrangements are being managed by J.C. Kirby and Son Funeral Chapels, Lovers Lane.

Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to consider making memorial contributions to the Fields of Dreams Fund at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, or the First Christian Church Memorial Fund in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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Frances Ann Fields: A Legacy of Education and Community Leadership

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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