Mary "Molly" Fields Walling

Mary “Molly” Fields Walling passed away Tuesday, August 26 at Care Partners Solace Hospice Center after a brief illness.

Molly was born in Anguilla, Mississippi to the late Harris Jesse “Jay” Fields and the late Betsy Fleming Fields. Her childhood was spent in Knoxville, TN, and her family later moved to Bristol, Virginia. While in Bristol she attended Virginia High School, and she made friendships she cherished her whole life. She attended college at Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina and upon graduating she married Challen Walling. The couple had two daughters, Whitney and Kate.

Over the years Molly worked in education, and she was a writer. She taught at Sullins Academy, Virginia Highlands Community College, and the University of North Carolina Asheville. She loved literature and was an avid reader and writer. Before moving to Asheville, her independent bookstore in Bristol, Bookends, attracted dozens of writers from throughout the Southeast including Barbara Kingsolver, Fred Chappell and many others as a "living room" for writers and readers. Molly received her BFA at Goucher College in Maryland, and at the same time she was deeply engaged in authoring two books.

She had many talents and interests. She was a quilter and created beautiful pieces of work that she generously shared with others. Her thumb was green, and her garden was a delight to see. She was a tremendous cook as well and was always hospitable. She would most want to be remembered for her faithfulness and steadfast trust and belief in God. Her hospitality, generosity with her giftedness and her faithfulness were embodied in her friendships and acts of service through All Souls Episcopal Church and other organizations including Solace Hospice. She loved her friends and family and her dog Happy.

Molly is survived by her daughters, Kate Walling of Seattle, Washington and Whitney Singleton of Bristol, Tennessee and her husband Nathan Singleton, their children Grace, Jack and Maddie Singleton. She is also survived by her brother Jay Fields and sister Laura Wolf Woodford and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Molly had many friends from all stages of life, and she will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 10:00 am Saturday, October 25th at the Clubhouse in her Laurel Creek neighborhood at 54 Laurel Creek Drive, Asheville, NC 28803.

Although she was not born in Asheville, it was her home, and she dearly loved the community. In lieu of flowers, she requested that donations be made to Beloved Asheville: PO Box 6386, Asheville, NC 28816. Phone: 828-571-0766. Email: info@belovedasheville.com.

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