Myra Pate Fields

Myra Pate Fields, age 65, of Knoxville, TN passed away on September 7, 2021 after a brief battle with ovarian cancer. She was at home surrounded by family.

Myra was born and raised in Morristown, TN. She moved to Asheville, NC in 1976 after marrying her husband, Bruce Fields. In 2019, Myra and Bruce followed their daughters to Knoxville.

Myra earned her B.S. degree from Mars Hill College in 1995 and her Masters of Health Sciences from Western Carolina University in 2005. She began working at Mission Health Hospital Systems in 1982 where she held several positions and was instrumental in establishing the Lab Outreach Program. She retired after 39 years of service. Myra was well loved by her coworkers and staff and remembered for her calm spirit, patience, loyalty, and strong work ethic.

Myra was a loving wife for 44 years and a devoted mother to her daughters, Courtney and Taylor. She was dedicated to her family, friends, and career. To know Myra was to love her. She exemplified what it meant to be strong, steadfast, and kind to family and neighbors. She was a calm and steady presence for all. Myra had a keen ability to see the value of those around her and had a way of making everyone feel understood, appreciated, loved, and accepted. Myra had a giving heart. Her acts of love and kindness were performed quietly.

Myra enjoyed her morning coffee, reading, working in her yard, being outside, and spending time with her family. She was famous for her snack trays and making sure that everyone had plenty to eat!

She is preceded in death by her parents, John W. Pate Jr. and Lucille White Pate. She is survived by her husband, Bruce, and daughters, Courtney and Taylor, all of Knoxville; sisters, Sarah Pate Haun (Roger) of Richmond, VA and Jane Pate Hutton (Johnny) of Greeneville, TN; brother, David Pate of Washington, D.C.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 16th from 4:00-6:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Those attending are asked to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Myra’s honor to Manna Food Bank in Asheville, NC.