Kathryn "Yvette" Fields-Melton-Naler

Kathryn “Yvette” Fields-Melton-Naler, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on March 4, 2025, at the age of 69.

Yvette was born on December 20, 1955, in Aliceville, Alabama, to Ralph and Kathryn (Kat) Fields. She was a persistent and stubborn young girl, according to her two older brothers, Steve and Dusty. But "Pumpkin," as her Daddy would call her, had a smile that would light up the room, and a gentle spirit that could be felt from all around. Most importantly, she had a loving and happy childhood. At the age of nine, Yvette moved with her family to Estill, SC, where she attended Estill Grammar School and met her childhood best friend Jan. She had a talent for playing the piano and a love for riding horses. Yvette graduated from Patrick Henry Academy. She then continued her education by attending college in Columbia, SC. A true USC fan to the core, Yvette was always cheering on her Gamecocks. She became a mother in 1981 with the birth of her first daughter, Alycia Monique. Her son, Sydney Brandon, followed in 1985, and lastly, her baby girl, Screnia Ashleigh, in 1989. Her true love was for her children. She was a loving and devoted mother. She loved unconditionally and made sacrifices, as most parents do, and she made them without hesitation. Yvette and family made their way to Charleston, SC in 1993, where they made their home indefinitely. She and Glen welcomed with big smiles and open arms all five of their grandchildren. She absolutely loved being a grandmother. Her grandbabies love their MiMi. Yvette lived a vibrant life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. She loved southern rock and country music, and movies with Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, and Patrick Swayze. She loved driving the back roads with her husband through the mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee, immersing herself in the beautiful landscapes. She always made new friends during visits with Glen’s Navy buddies when they travelled to reunions. But her special bond with him was over their shared love of drag racing where she frequently cheered him on at the drag strip.

Family reunions and time spent with her children and grandchildren were always a highlight for Yvette, where she enjoyed her love of Southern cuisine and created treasured memories surrounded by the people she adored. Their house was a unique blend of team spirit as she supported the USC Gamecocks while playfully accepting the rivalry in the family that came with it.

Friends were also an important part of her life, and the evenings spent sharing wine and cheese with her girlfriends in her beloved “she shed” became cherished traditions and were always filled with laughter. Every football season you could find Yvette and Glen at the famous Clemson/Carolina game held in their friends' Clemson decorated garage. Win or lose, Yvette was screaming "Go Gamecocks!" She had a competitive side, and pool was her game. As a member of the APA, she even took her skills to Las Vegas. She was a natural born and true animal lover, doting on her cats and dogs, especially her beloved Josie and Lucy. She also adored her bearded dragon and chinchillas, always nurturing and caring for all of them like her children.

Yvette is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Carson Fields and Mary Kathryn (Hales) Fields. She is survived by her loving husband, Glen Naler, daughter, Alycia "Monique" Melton (Jackson Locklair), grandsons Carson Smoak and Camren Smoak; son, Sydney "Brandon" Melton (Tammy Smith); granddaughters, Lyndsey Melton, Penelope Melton, and Stella Melton; daughter, Screnia Melton (Cory Mixon); brothers; Steve Fields (Faile) and Dusty Fields (Norma); as well as her childhood friend and sister by heart, Janice Marshall (Earl). She will be deeply missed by all who love her.

The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. A Memorial service will begin at 3:00 pm, followed by a reception with light refreshments afterward. We invite all who knew her to join in celebrating a life well-lived, filled with joy, love, and countless beautiful memories. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all she touched.

There will be a private burial at Copeland Cemetery in Beaufort, SC, at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 614-8494.