Maxie Christena Fields

Maxie Christena (Burwell) Fields, 90 years old of Luzerne, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on June 17, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Artie Burwell, born in 1935 on the farm in Buckhorn, West Virginia. Maxie was a 1953 graduate of Nicholas County High School in Summersville, West Virginia.

Following graduation, 18-year-old Maxie embarked on a journey by bus to Detroit, Michigan to find work, and she worked in the business office of Krisge’s Department store. In 1955, she married James Fields, her husband of 61 years. Maxie and Jim moved from Westland, Michigan to Luzerne, Michigan in 1979.

Maxie was a Christian and a homemaker. She was a kind and loving wife, mother of four children, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

In her younger days, she enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, traveling, and camping, bonfires, fishing, and watching the Detroit Tigers. She loved Northern Michigan.

Maxie was a member of the Red Hats and developed many lifelong relationships with the women of this club.

Maxie lived a life filled with purpose, love, and impact on others, rather than solely focused on personal happiness or material success. She made a difference, living authentically and leaving a positive legacy. She will be deeply missed!

Maxie is survived by her children: Benita Fields and Jeffery Fields; her sister Sylvia Spears; her brother Gerald Burwell; her grandchildren: Jason Smith, Brandon Smith, Heather Esshaki, Cody Fields, and Ronnie Fields; and her great=grandchildren: Kayla Smith, Augustino Smith, Sophia Smith, Lillian Smith, Elon Esshaki, Eric Esshaki, Emmett Fields, Baker Fields, and Dominic Blair.

Maxie was preceded in death by her husband James Fields, her sons Larry Fields and Ronnie Fields, her sisters Marie Beasley and Vadine French, her brother Russell Burwell, her mother Artie Burwell and her father Thomas Burwell.

In accordance with Maxie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service and Interment of Ashes will take place at Luzerne Cemetery, Luzerne, Michigan on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM with Chaplain Lon Cook officiating.

These arrangements were handled by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.