Shirley Joan Wallace Field

With grace, faith, and the same bright blue eyes that lit up every room, Shirley Joan Wallace Field entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the age of 90. Surrounded by loved ones, she departed this world peacefully – leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Shirley was a true Southern Belle whose life changed forever when she met Lt. James E. Field at Donaldson Air Force Base. Their love story bridged North and South, as she fell for the “Yankee” from Illinois who would become her beloved husband and lifelong dance partner. Married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenville, Shirley embraced military life with enthusiasm, traveling across the country and throughout Europe before eventually returning to South Carolina and settling near Shaw Air Force Base. Her faith remained central to her life through her involvement at St. Anne’s and St. Jude’s Catholic Church.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children: James Patrick Field (Terry) of Palm Bay, Florida; Lisa Marie Field of Columbia, South Carolina; Dr. Teresa Buschor (Dan); and Joseph Michael Field (Lori) of Sumter. Her grandchildren – Chad and Adam Dinkins; James and Michael Field; Sabrina Dion; Christy Vernet; Christopher and Grant Field; and Dexter Buschor – carry forward the laughter and traditions she cherished. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Douglass Vernet and Emersyn Field, whose lives brought her immense pride and happiness.

Throughout her life, Shirley gave generously of her time and talents. From serving as a Candy Striper and Officer Wives Club President during her early military years to teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and delivering Meals on Wheels, she led by example – often inviting her children to join her in acts of service.

When the family settled in Sumter, Shirley pursued a vibrant professional life marked by independence and creativity. She contributed to the early Women, Infant & Children (WIC) program with Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and held roles in administration, marketing, public relations, accounting, and sales. Her career included involvement with the openings of Crescent Tool and EMS American Grilon, Inc., serving as Marketing Director for the Grand Opening of Jessamine Mall, and later working with Union Camp. An entrepreneur at heart, she founded an accounting firm and later Premier Real Estate, finishing her professional journey with Advantage Realty Group.

Shirley’s love for homes and history inspired the restoration of General Thomas Sumter’s Brookland Plantation in Stateburg – a testament to her vision and determination. Her home on Swan Lake Drive became a gathering place filled with gardens, cobblestone walkways, laughter, and countless family celebrations. Even in later years, she continued creating welcoming spaces where memories were made, most recently at the family home in Feathers Down.

Above all, Shirley will be remembered for her strength, elegance, and joyful spirit – a woman who believed life was meant to be shared, celebrated, and lived fully. Those who knew her will forever picture her dancing, smiling, and welcoming everyone as family.

The family appreciated the love and care provided to Shirley in her final years at NHC Nursing Home, especially from the attentive care of Laurin Lee, NP and her team.

A Memorial Service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at noon at Bullock Funeral Home, 1190 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, followed by a burial service at Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 N. Guignard Drive.

Family friends are invited to gather afterward at the home of Dan and Teresa Buschor in The Summit, 1095 Summit Drive in Sumter, to share stories and honor the beautiful life she lived.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Joan Wallace Field, please visit our floral store.