News Summary
Frances Ann Fields, a revered educator and community leader in Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away at 90, leaving a significant mark on education and local organizations. Born in Alabama, she had a distinguished 30-year teaching career at Western Kentucky University and actively contributed to women’s education and community service. Her dedication to writing education and numerous leadership roles in local organizations showcased her commitment to improving lives. Her contributions will be remembered fondly by those she impacted throughout her life.
Bowling Green, Kentucky — Frances Ann Fields, a distinguished educator and community leader, passed away at the age of 90 on June 28, 2025. Her death has left a profound impact on the Bowling Green community and the education sector, where she devoted a significant portion of her life.
Born in Huntsville, Alabama, to Gerald Earl Haught and Frances Slayton Haught, Ann spent her early life pursuing education, culminating in her graduation from both the University of Alabama and Western Kentucky University (WKU). For 30 years, she served as a faculty member in the English Department at WKU, ultimately retiring as a professor emeritus. Her contributions to academia extended beyond teaching, as she was actively involved in numerous professional organizations and initiatives. Ann served as the president of the Faculty Wives Club at WKU and was honored by the University Women’s Alliance for her dedication to women’s education.
In addition to her teaching career, Ann had a notable impact on writing education, working as a writing consultant for various businesses and presenting workshops at National Council of Teachers of English meetings. Her commitment to enhancing writing skills was further evidenced by her role as the state coordinator for writing achievement awards and a reader for the Educational Testing Service. She also co-authored a college writing textbook, which served as an important resource for students and educators alike.
Beyond her academic contributions, Ann demonstrated her leadership in community organizations. She was a longtime member and leader in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving as a charter member of Chapter AH in Bowling Green, past president of Chapter D, and the Kentucky State Chapter. She held prominent positions, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the International Peace Scholarship and a member of the Board of Trustees for Cottey College, where she actively participated in significant campaigns and committees.
Ann’s community engagement extended into her church, where she was a member of First Christian Church. Throughout her time there, she served as a deacon, elder, committee chair, and board chair, contributing to the church’s mission and outreach efforts. Her passion for literature was evident through her long-standing membership in the Browning Literary Club, where she spent over 60 years fostering a love for reading and writing.
Throughout her life, Ann received several honors, including being designated a Kentucky Colonel three times and recognized as an honorary citizen of Louisville. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Noland Fields, and their two daughters, Laura Fields Eason of Fairhope, Alabama, and Julia Fields Naylor of Yorba Linda, California. Ann was also a grandmother to three grandchildren: Jack Fields Eason of Bowling Green, Kentucky, William Embry Naylor and his wife Hannah of Lexington, Kentucky, and Annie Fields Naylor of St. Joseph, Michigan. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Jeri Topp of Charleston, West Virginia, a great-granddaughter, Willow Ann Naylor of Lexington, Kentucky, and other family members including a nephew and niece.
Visitation for Frances Ann Fields will take place at First Christian Church, located at 1106 State Street in Bowling Green, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Local arrangements have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby and Son Funeral Chapels, Lovers Lane. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fields of Dreams Fund at Cottey College or the First Christian Church Memorial Fund in Bowling Green.
Frances Ann Fields’ legacy as an esteemed educator and community leader will be remembered by many, and her contributions to education and service reflect a life dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
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- Bowling Green Daily News
- Legacy: Philip Wiseman Obituary
- Legacy: Olivia Hazel Obituary
- Toledo Blade
- Goad Funeral Home: Oran Hagood Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education
- Google Search: Frances Ann Fields
- Google Scholar: Frances Ann Fields
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frances Ann Fields
- Google News: Frances Ann Fields
