Augustine T "Teenie" Fields Obituary (1944 - 2018)

Augustine Turner Fields was born in New Orleans LA to Mr. and Mrs. John Lemia Turner as the oldest of three children. She accepted Christ at an early age, while spending the summer with her great grandmother, Mrs. Callie Holmes, a devout Christian woman. She was baptized at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in DeQuincy LA under the leadership of Rev. F.R. Winder. She then became a member of King Triumph Baptist Church, with Rev. Fluence serving as pastor. Her early school years were completed at Cypress Grove High School of Lutcher LA in 1961, where she graduated in the top five of her class. She was active in the school band, basketball, and school choir. Very matured and focused for her age, Augustine entered Dillard University of New Orleans LA at the age of fifteen. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Grades in January of 1966, and began her teaching career at the William J. Fisher Elementary School. In that same year, she married Alvin Oliver Fields, and to this union, one daughter was born - the joy of her life, Brenna. Her purpose became to raise her daughter to be a God-fearing, independent woman. Augustine always exhibited the traits of motherhood, for there were times when she took care of her brother and sister. Her siblings would often say in jest: "Teenie always thought she was the boss." Augustine's teaching career spanned 33 years, retiring from the Village de Lest Elementary School in New Orleans LA. She devoted her life to teaching "her children" as she called them. In her mind, they were like her biological children, for she not only took care of their academic needs, but often supplied physical needs by purchasing clothes whenever she saw the need. She would always track her students, continuing to provide support and encouragement. She instilled within "her children" strong character traits and a solid value system. She earned many awards during her teaching career, and was often a mentor to younger teachers. She went the extra mile when she developed an after-school program for parents, teaching parenting skills and various techniques for helping their children at home. During these years, she also earned certifications in English as a Second Language and Early Childhood Education. In 1970, the family joined the Ray Avenue United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Handy, where she served as Church Secretary and a member of the choir. Upon a merger, she became a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Tom Howe. She served as Chairperson of Christian Education and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees; member of Staff-Parish Relations Committee; Spiritual Coordinator for the United Methodist Women; and led a small group ministry (groups of women who engage in various Bible studies and prayer). Following Hurricane Katrina, Augustine and Alvin moved to Gramercy LA and became members of First Community Antioch Baptist Church. She became a teacher of Children's Church, a member of the Women's Ministry, and recently, Sunday small group teacher. During this time, her purpose became to take care of her parents and to serve God. Augustine's fraternal affiliations included: Dorcas #53, Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A - served at Matron Olive Branch #119, Order of the Easter Star, P.H.A. Loyalty Court #1 Order of Amaranth Ruby E. Williams Auxiliary of the Phyllis Chapter - recipient of the coveted Fellow Award Her community activities included: President of the East St. James chapter of AARP #4481 Smart Girls Empowered, Recording Secretary Club Social 25 She leaves to mourn her husband of almost 52 years, Alvin Oliver Fields; her mother, Florence Brown Turner; her daughter Brenna Fields Taylor (Dr. Vincent Taylor); her brother, Dr. Andrew Turner (Iris Turner); God-children: Tiffanni Turner Beckham, Jamone Turner, Kevin Armont; adopted God-children: Brandon Turner, Andre Turner; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; cousins, brothers-in-law, and other family members and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, John Lemia Turner, grandmother Venus Prevost, and sister Joan Turner. Augustine "Teenie" was a devoted wife and a mother to many. She gave unselfishly and unconditionally to her family and all she saw who were in need. She would always say when facing trials in her life - "God must still have something for me to do." She faced these challenges knowing that God would keep her in His care until her purpose, God's will for her life, was complete. She knew she would then be welcomed Home. We will celebrate her life on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from First Community Antioch Baptist Church, 10860 Hwy 3125, Lutcher, LA. Visitation begins at 9:00am with a final viewing prior to 10:00am service time. Rev. Ferdinand Gaines, Pastor and Officiant. Entombment, Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA. Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy, Gramercy, LA, have been entrusted with her final care. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"