Helen Mae Shatley Fields

Helen Mae Shatley Fields, aged 83, of Abingdon, Va., departed this life on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, at Specialty Select Hospital in Bristol, Tenn. Born on July 29, 1941, in Mercer County, W.Va., she was the cherished daughter of the late Sidney Richard Shatley and Carrie Cornelia Reynolds Shatley. Following the profound loss of her mother on Christmas Day in 1948, Helen was subsequently raised by her aunt, Bertie Shatley Warner.

She proudly served her country in the United States Marine Corps. Helen’s diverse career path included roles at HAPCO, directing a KinderCare, and selling real estate in Fayetteville, N.C.  She drove a school bus for the Washington County School System for 20 years where she made an impression on many young lives 

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Woodrow Wilson Fields; along with seven siblings: Cecil Shatley, who died in infancy; Sidney Richard Shatley, Jr.; Gladys Shatley Halpain; Bertha Shatley Farris; Judy Harriett Combs; Robert Stevens Shatley; and Curtis William Shatley.

She is survived by two daughters, Angela Fields Barrington and husband, Kevin of Bentonville, Ark. and Rebecca Jo Fields, of the home; five siblings: Charles Pete Shatley; Carl Dean Shatley; Gail Shatley Mercer and husband, Robert; Maurice Dewaine Shatley and wife, Dee; and Daniel Richard Shatley and wife, Silvia; brother-in-law, Hugh Halpain; two sisters-in-law, Rosemary Shatley and Gail Sprinkle Shatley; beloved grandson, Zachary Taylor Barrington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family committal service will take place at Knollkreg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, located at 201 NE 2nd St., Bentonville, AR 72712.