Joanne Esther Fields' Obituary
Joanne Esther Fields (Hanna), a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, was born September 24, 1952, in Norfolk, VA. Joanne passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, surrounded by her children.
Joanne was raised in Springfield, VA by her parents Howard and Helen Hanna.
Joanne, also known as “Big Jo” worked as a baker for many years. She worked long and strenuous shifts, but she loved it and took great pride because she was talented and knew it! She formed many special relationships with customers and coworkers.
Family was everything to Big Jo. She adored her three children, Robert, Melanie, and Katie and especially her grandchildren Sami and Sophie Naz. She most enjoyed family gatherings, surrounding herself with her sisters, Merri, Patricia and Pat and their children.
Later in life, at one of her favorite weekly bingo games, she met her husband, Stephen “Skippy” Fields. Together they shared their love for playing cards and traveling to horse racing around the east coast. They enjoyed their retirement in Colonial Beach, VA.
Big Jo leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strength, reminding us all, that even in tough times, we can find strength to carry on.
She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Helen Hanna, husband Stephen Fields, and her sisters Merri Coleman and Patricia Waggy.
Joanne is survived by her children Robert Franklin, Melanie Yates and her husband Amir, Katie Middlekauff and her husband Chris; her beloved two grandchildren, Sami and Sophie Naz as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
We loved Joanne, but God loved her best! It is our prayer that she rests peacefully now that even in her physical absences, she is still deeply loved and will always live in our hearts.
A private gravesite service will be held at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.
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