On Friday, May 23, 2025, Joella Bell Fields made her transition to her heavenly home.

Joella Fields was born a twin to Joe Bell on April 24, 1934, to Tom and Mennetta Bell,  in Natchitoches, Louisiana. To this union was born nineteen children. She was the longest living child and sibling.

She was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. She knew hard work. As a young teenager, she had to quit school to help support and take care of the large family. She picked cotton, worked the fields, cleaned house, cooked, and took care of the small children of the owner of the fields. It was during that era that she learned the lifelong lesson of Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself." That mindset of humility would follow her for the rest of her life.

Upon moving to Houston, Texas at the age of 22, Joella worked as a housekeeper for over 60 yrs. God blessed her to work for Mr. Jack Proler of J.L. Proler Steel in Houston, Texas for years. He blessed her to work for doctors, lawyers, and heads of companies. Each home had children, most small, and because of her mothering, loving, kindhearted nature, she became a second mother.  She had a hand in loving and nurturing, school drop-offs and pick-up, and making an impact on their lives. She impressed upon them her love for God. She was well known for serving at large Christmas parties, family gatherings, and other holidays for her employer. Friends and family members would request her services for their parties. For many years, not having transportation, she rode Metro. There on the long rides to work, she met many weary passengers. She always had a kind word, a loving smile, would give up her seat on the crowded bus if needed, or a dollar to spare. But, more importantly, she shared the good news of her Savior everywhere she went. Her labor and hard work provided for her five children as a single mother.

She joined St. John Baptist Church in 1956 with her one-year-old baby, Pearlean. She was a member for the last 68 years. She was the longest living and oldest member of St. John. She married the pastor of the church, Rev. E.L. Fields on 12/24/1982, and was a faithful wife until his death on July 15, 1994, becoming one of the former pastor's wives of St. John. After his death, Sis. Fields remained a member. She served as mission president, taught Sunday School, was head of the church's hospitality department, and until her health failed was one of the few sopranos in the mass choir. She served the Lord faithfully until her death. All of it was God's story for His glory!

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Tom and Mennetta Bell, all 18 siblings, husband Pastor Elmus Lee Fields, son Dennis Washington, daughter Mary Ann Washington, granddaughter Martricia LaShon Allen, and grandson Donald Ray Washington, Jr.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Pearlean Terry (Reginald Lavan), two sons, Donald Washington and Curtis Washington (Pamela); four grandchildren, Nakia K. Washington, Sr., Shamara Denise Washington, Detra LaShon Tolden (Reginald), Caleb Washington, six great grandchildren, Brittany LaShon Tatum, Jordan Washington, Nakia Washington II, D'Quailn Washington, and J'Meiel Washington. Two bonus daughters, Deborah Sanders and Marleen Godfrey.