Rev. Monroe Fields was born to the late Norman and Gertrude Fields. He was born in Braddock County, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1952, and was reared by the neighboring Catholic schools. Despite being raised in the city, Monroe was a country boy at heart. His parents moved to South Carolina for the slower pace and to be more connected to family. He spent summers playing basketball with the numerous cousins that lived nearby. He attended Florence School District 1 and graduated from Southside High School. Upon graduation, Monroe enlisted into the United States Army and became a military policeman. He earned National Defense and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. Additionally, he gained an Expert Badge with the M-16 and a Sharpshooter Badge for the .45 Caliber Pistol. He served in the Vietnam War and carried this experience with pride. It was common to see him wearing his Vietnam Veteran ball cap and would gladly share his experiences of war with anyone he met. After serving in the military, he attended Claflin University and gained invaluable insight about religion and philosophy. He often spoke of his time at Claflin, and the professors he had. On September 8, 1979, Monroe married the late Barbara Holloway and from this union, two children were born, Shanelle, and Monroe Jr. (Darcell). His family was important to him. They took trips, created family traditions, and navigated the world together. His children were his most precious gifts. He raised them to work hard, dream big, and to keep striving for their goals. Shanelle was the apple of his eye, and he would do anything for his Baby Girl. Darcell was his tag along partner. They fed the family dogs and worked on cars and other outdoor tasks. He worked hard to ensure his son knew how to take care of his family. When it was time to go to school, Darcell had a tough time adjusting because he needed to be at home with his daddy. As the years progressed, he would often brag on his children who worked hard and achieved success. Each graduation and accomplishment filled him with a sense of pride because he felt he laid the groundwork for his children to do great things. Later in life, he married Pamela Champaigne Brown. With this blending of families, he gained three stepchildren, Latoya, Derrell, and LaQuisha. This union resulted in many family dinners, shared love, and new traditions. He truly embraced his son and two daughters while providing them with support, guidance, and wisdom along the way. In 2010 and 2011, he became a grandparent by welcoming Isaiah and Jackson. Grandaddy was excited to have two new Fields boys to carry out the legacy that his family began many years ago. From newborns until his health failed, he spoiled these two boys rotten. Whether it was going for Chinese food after practice pickup or going to the mall to get Mother’s Day gifts, he loved every minute with his grandboys. Due to his love of basketball, he would often stand outside and be the sideline coach when they played each other in the yard. He attended football games, cooking birthday parties, wrestling matches, and stood in the gap many days when their parents’ schedules got hectic. He was ready to ride in on his scooter and show support. He was a loving man and would give you the clothes off his back, if you needed it. Monroe was a giver and enjoyed educating others about life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Brown, his parents, Norman and Gertrude Fields, his older sister, Norma Mitchell, and his brother-in-law, Harvey Mitchell. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Shanelle, Monroe Darcell, stepchildren, Latoya, Derell, and LaQuisha, along with his grandchildren, Isaiah, Jackson, Taniya,Tony, Brandell, Heaven, Alexia, Ja’Nyla, Naveah, CJ, Nali, Ryell, his sisters, Racial, LaRue, and Rosita (Karen), 1 special niece, Khyli, 3 nephews, Rajauhn, Jelani, and Emil, extended family and friends.