A retired educator for the Perquimans County Schools who lived in Edenton has died following an accident in Chowan County last month.
Melissa Pullin Fields died Sunday at East Carolina University Health Medical Center in Greenville, according to her family. She was 53.
Fields was critically injured in an accident in Chowan Saturday evening, Aug. 24.
During the week prior to her death, people signed “get well” cards and penned their thoughts and prayers for her inside a large book at Edenton Bay Trading Company where Fields and husband Eddie hosted the record-spinning “Vinyl Night” program on weekends for the past decade.
Earlier this year, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority presented an award to Fields and her husband for their work promoting local tourism. The Fields’ weekly record-spinning parties at Edenton Trading Company have attracted locals and tourists alike, many packing the little courtyard behind the wine and beer shop to listen to the Fields play old record albums and 45 rpm singles.
Fields began her career as a teacher and later became a principal at Perquimans Central and Perquimans High schools. She later served as an administrator for the school district.
“The rewards in teaching are in every smiling face of every child I teach,” Fields said when she was a teacher at Perquimans Central School. “It is when a former student comes to ask for advice on a problem or when a parent tells you what a difference you’ve made. Teachers are not in it for the money or praise. The rewards in teaching are the futures of our children.”
Fields spent 12 years as media coordinator at Perquimans Central and 4½ years as principal.
“I’ve always believed that parents are the first teachers for their children, and I value the input that parents are willing to give about their own children,” Fields said when she was a first-time principal at Perquimans Central in 2011. “Forming personal relationships, sharing ideas and goals, and deciding how we can work together for the success of all students at Perquimans Central School are some of my goals as I begin my first full year here.”
Fields was named the 2019 Wells Fargo Northeast Region Principal of the Year. That year, she stepped down as principal at Perquimans County High School to serve as chief academic officer for curriculum and instruction.
Fields earned a school administration add-on credential from Elizabeth City State University, a certificate of advanced study and a master’s degree in library science from East Carolina University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and elementary education from Mary Washington College.
Ten years ago, Fields and her husband started Vinyl Night at Edenton Bay Trading Company in Edenton. The couple played records from various genres that resonate with listeners.
“It’s just a special place because it doesn’t matter what age you are or where you are from. Music brings everyone together,” Fields said at the time. “The relationships that we have with people here are really special — you can’t describe it.”
A memorial service celebrating Fields’ life will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Perquimans County High School gymnasium. The service will be conducted by Fields’ longtime friend, David Stevenson, and the Rev. Elizabeth Polk. Friends may visit with the family in the school’s cafeteria immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fields’ memory may be made to the Melissa P. Fields Scholarship fund at the Perquimans County Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 337, Hertford, NC 27944. The scholarship will be awarded to students seeking a career in education.
Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.
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