Melvia A. Fields, age 88, died after a period of declining health on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the Bourbon Heights Nursing Home. Melvia was born, August 19, 1928 in Little Rock, Kentucky to the late Corrine Ecton Lark and George Anderson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Barnes, a sister, Shirley Fields and a beloved niece, Sylvia L. Fields. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Fields of Paris, her son Gerald K. Fields, Sr. of Portland, Oregon, a grandson, Gerald K. Fields, Jr. of Pollocksville, NC, a granddaughter, Contrelle (Charles) Sturdivant of Colorado Springs, CO and three great-grandchildren, along with nephews Keith Barnes and Jerry (Phyllis) Barnes of Paris, Renardo (Linda) Fields of Newport News, Virginia, nieces, Connie B. Hutsell of Paris, Kim (Ken) Aplon of Seguin, Texas and Vanessa Dorsey of Cincinnati, along with a host of other relatives and friends. A lifelong resident of Bourbon County, Melvia was a dedicated believer in Christ and the work of the church. She accepted Christ at an early age at the 2nd Christian Church in Little Rock. When her family moved to Paris, she became a member of the Seventh Street Christian Church. There she sang in several choirs, was a Sunday school teacher and later Superintendent. She was president of the Christian Women's Fellowship for over 20 years and also served at one time as a youth leader. In later years she became a member of the Prodigal's House where she became a teacher and an officer of the church as well as a trusted friend, counselor and encourager to all its members. Always a student, Melvia graduated from Western High School at age 16. She read constantly and became a well versed self-taught person. When an opportunity came about, she completed a course of study from the University of the South and received a certificate from the School of Theology. Melvia was also active in the community. She was President Emeritus of the Bourbon County Branch of the NAACP. Not only that, she served on the local hospital board and was also instrumental in the formation of the 'Pink Ladies' and Senior Friends at the local hospital. In her early years, she was also a Brownie Scout Leader. She also served a number of years on the Cane Ridge Board and later served as chairperson. In memory of Melvia, contributions can be made to: Cane Ridge Shrine P.O. Box 26 Paris, KY 40361; Christian Women's Fellowship Seventh Street Christian Church P.O. Box 189 Paris, KY 40361 and the Prodigal House Building Fund P.O. Box 933 Paris, KY 40361. Ever the gracious lady, 'Miss Melvia' will be missed by all. Visitation: 5-7 PM Wednesday January 25, 2017 at Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Funeral: 11:00 AM Thursday January 26, 2017 at 7th St. Christian Church Interment: Evergreen Memory Gardens