Brenda J. Fields, 67, Marion, passed away at 11:52 am on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent-Indianapolis in Indianapolis. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Sunday, September 7, 1958, to Jim and Jean (Benfield) Stapleton. On August 16, 1980, she married Stephen M. “Steve” Fields, and he survives.
Brenda was a dedicated mother. She wanted her girls to have more opportunities than she did. So, during the early years she stayed home and did not work until they were attending school. However, she was still involved with her community. At age 29 Brenda was the president of the Marion Center City Neighborhood Association dedicated to renovating neighborhoods and homes. Brenda was dedicated to the community in Marion in many ways, she wanted this town to thrive as well as the school system to be the best it could be.
She was an avid reader and loved books, was a well-regarded writer by many. She wrote for the local newspaper in Gas City IN (The Twin City Journal Reporter) while still in high school, all the while being the editor of the Mississinewa High School’s newspaper. She would write letters to the editor of the Chronicle Tribune concerning community issues and local political items that were important to her. Brenda graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1976 and went on to attend Ball State University. She graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree – Journalism major /History Minor in 1981.
Later, she went back to Ball State University and added a library certification to her secondary education teaching license. She worked for Marion Community Schools for 25 years. Brenda retired from Marion Community Schools as a U.S. history teacher at Marion High School in 2015. Her favorite position during her time at Marion Community Schools was as the librarian for Marion High School.
Brenda loved helping her students develop a curiosity for learning. Her retirement in 2015 was so she could help take care of her newly born grandson. He was the new pride in her life and she dedicated herself to helping him learn to love reading and books.
Her community interests led her to join the Grant County Democrat party and became a precinct chairman. She was a member of the local NAACP. She helped with some research for local information concerning Marion, when the local NAACP chapter brought the touring exhibit “Unmasked – an art commentary on lynching”, to the Marion Public library. Brenda will be missed by her loved ones and the community.
Survivors include her mother, Jean E. (Late Glen) Tinkle of Marion; husband, Stephen M. “Steve” Fields of Marion; daughters, Jeanelle (Chad) Artherhults of Marion, Molly Sue (Timmus O’Niones) Fields of Marion; grandson, Nick Artherhults; sister, Karen L (Bill) Creech of Marion; brother, Jim D. (Debbie Tackett) Stapleton; niece, Christina (Clint) Williams of AZ; and several friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Stapleton; and in-laws, Nick and Elna Fields, Jr.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a celebration of Brenda’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grant County Democratic Party, P.O. Box 972, Marion, IN 46952, or the NAACP, 3678 Prince Hall Dr, Marion, IN 46953.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Brenda J. Fields, please visit our floral store.