Shalonda Fields

Shalonda Fields, a beacon of light and love, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, at the age of 49, in Riviera Beach, FL. Born on November 10, 1975, she was the cherished daughter and oldest child of Walter Taylor and Joyce Taylor-Farrell. Raised alongside her siblings—Walter Taylor Jr., whom she affectionately nicknamed “Tubby,” and Monica Taylor, her baby sister—Shalonda grew up valuing family, education, laughter, music, and, from her mother specifically, inherited a fabulous sense of class and style. Her love of education, gentle nurturing spirit, and being gifted a typewriter as a young girl led Shalonda to serve her community as a data processor for the Palm Beach School District. Her career allowed her to be a maternal figure to countless students at William T. Dwyer High School, West Riviera Elementary School, and Suncoast Community High School for nearly 30 years.

Anyone who knew Shalonda knew a few things to be true about her: she was not showing up anywhere without a blinged-out set of nails, she proudly rocked her daddy’s nose, she loved horror movies, specifically vampire and werewolf movies, like Vampire in Brooklyn and Van Helsing (Girls Trip and Hocus Pocus are other notable favorites). Most notably everyone knew Shalonda’s love for her children was out of this world. Shalonda gave birth to her first child, Brianna Joichelle Moncrieffe, in 1995. Her union with Lemun Fields blessed her with Samiya Fields, lovingly called Mymy, and Trevon Fields, her “Tater.” In 2013, Shalonda became “Nana” to Justin Brown III. Shalonda could not dare live without her children, and unfortunately, the death of Brianna in June 2025 proved this in a tragic twist of fate, as Shalonda passed shortly after from the stress of losing her baby. She devoted her time as a mother to her children’s happiness. What they will miss most is her unwavering support, her warm smile and hugs, and her genuine, unconditional love.

Throughout her life, Shalonda embraced each day with a spirited passion that inspired all who were fortunate enough to call her family or friend. She maintained lifelong friendships and built a sisterhood with her classmates and homegirls Latoi Asbury-Fray, Sheray Morgan, Samantha Sears, Leontye Mann, and LaShawndra Searcy. Everyday she could be found video chatting with her cousin Marva Williams, also known to her as her ButtaBean, her mother Joyce, her brother Walt, and sister Monica. She was affectionately known as Shay, Punkin, Aunty Shalonda, Mommy, Nana, Ms. Fields —which she happily accepted. The bonds she built with her loved ones remain powerfully strong, making this farewell especially bitter.

She was not only preceded in death by her daughter, Brianna, Shalonda also joins her beautiful baby grandson, Ryance Brown, her cousins Randi Warner, Lakisha Warner, and Toby Williams, her aunts Katherine ‘Kathy’ Warner and Gloria (Warner) Aikens, Margy Graham, and her loving grandparents, Fred Warner Sr. and Katherine (Wynn) Warner.

While Shalonda's time with us was far too brief, her vibrant spirit will forever echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a host of family and friends who will hold onto their precious memories of her with tender care. Each shared moment rang with Shalonda’s resilience and humor, painting a life both beautiful and inspiring.

As we reflect on Shalonda’s life, we are reminded of the indelible mark she has left on our hearts. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to uplift and brighten our lives, reminding us always to cherish our loved ones and to approach life's challenges with grace and joy. Shalonda Fields, you will be dearly missed, but your legacy of love will live on in all who know you.