COLUMBIA - Harriet Gardin Fields, 65, formerly of Gaffney, widow of Avery C. Fields Sr. (Chuck), passed away Thursday, April 23, 2009, at Richland Memorial Hospital.

Daughter of the late Harry C. Gardin ( a former band director at Granard High School and a former band director and assistant principal at Gaffney High School) and the late Ethel Rochelle Gardin, she was born on Feb. 25, 1944, in Pasco, Wash. She was an active member of Francis Burns United Methodist Church, where she served in numerous capacities and committees.

Mrs. Fields attended elementary school in Pacolet and graduated from Granard High School in Gaffney. She obtained a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University in 1966 and a Masters of Education in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of South Carolina in 1974. She was owner of H.G. Fields & Associates, a counseling and consulting firm.

In addition to focusing on family, education and her business, she was deeply committed to politics. Her extensive political and educational career involved many positions, organizations and memberships, which included a political activist and community leader; chairperson of the North Columbia Civic Club; director on Non-Profit Community Agencies - The Bethlehem Community Center and Big Brothers and Sisters of America; and lifetime member of the NAACP. She was a member of Richland County Council 3rd District (1989-1998), Greenview Crime and Safety Committee and Eau Claire/North Columbia Community Council. Mrs. Fields held membership in American Counseling Association, United Methodist Women's Association, American Business Women's Association, National Organization of Black County Officials. She was a National Certified Counselor; Certified Teacher and Counselor with Richland County School District One; Licensed Professional Counselor; and Supervisor for Professional Counselors with the State of South Carolina; etc.

Mrs. Fields was honored to served as Midlands Technical College Commission Vice Chair (May 2001 to present) and was recently elected to the Diversity Committee of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). She was chairperson of the Public Policy and Legislation with the South Carolina Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association, and recently awarded the 2009 Trailblazer Leadership Award by Imara Woman's Magazine.

She is survived by her son, Avery C. Fields Jr. ("Chucky") of Charlotte, N.C.; two grandchildren; and other relatives.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 28, at noon at Francis Burns United Methodist Church, 5616 Farrow Road, Columbia. Visitation will be held Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m. at the church. Interment will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family asks that donations be made to Midlands Technical College Foundation, The Harriet Gardin Fields Fund for needy students at Midlands Technical College, P.O. Box 2408, Columbia, SC29223

Arrangements by Palmer Memorial Chapel, 1200 Fontaine Road, Columbia; (803) 786-6300. (Courtesy of Foster Funeral Home.)