Ferne Smith Cooper

It was Thanksgiving Day in the big, old house on a dairy farm in Ashburn, Virginia. The traditional dinner was not prepared, as God chose that special day to send an angel to earth. Parents Philip Clark and Clara Myrtle Smith rejoiced over the birth of their beautiful little daughter whom they named Ferne. She joined older brothers Linwood and Phil, making the family complete. Just six weeks later, tragedy struck. The Asian Flu epidemic swept through claiming the life Philip Clark. Ferne never knew her daddy. A few pictures and stories passed down by her mother were all she had, and she carried them in her angel heart. Eight years later, the Lord called little Linwood home. A strong bond forged between Ferne and Phil. Full of mischief one for the other, their love was deep and enduring. Ferne spent her childhood years on the farm. When she was 16, the family moved to Arlington, Virginia, where Ferne completed her senior year at Washington and Lee High School. After training at a school of business, Ferne began her working career, taking a job in the payroll department of Sears and Roebuck in Arlington. She faithfully provided for her mother, whom she dearly loved. On July 6, 1946, Ferne married James Franklin Cooper, a sailor during World War II. To this union two daughters were born, Janice Lynne (Cooper) Cotrone, and Jeaneen Marie (Cooper) LaLone. One tiny son was called back to Heaven before he entered the world. He would have been named David. She dearly loved her six grandchildren. To Janice and husband Mitchell, the Lord sent Francia Marie, Philip Joseph, and Joshua John. To Jeaneen and husband Tim, the Lord sent Jason Timothy, Jonathan David, and James Brian. Her family circle included many cousins, nieces, and nephews as well, and she dearly loved them all. Ferne worked hard to make a home for her daughters, working as a kindergarten teacher and then as a secretary. She raised them in the Wesleyan Church, always leading by example. She taught third-grade Sunday school, directed a church scouting club, sang in the choir, played the piano, directed Wesleyan Women, and taught a weekly Bible study. She loved nothing more than to play the piano and sing with her daughters. The harmony was beautiful, and Ferne was so talented in music. No one was more gracious or used their gift of hospitality as much as Ferne. She opened her home to countless international students, evangelists, and missionaries. Her hands were those of a servant. An angel servant. As the years passed, Ferne developed a very close relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom she surrendered her life at the age of eleven. Her mother taught her to pray and read the Scriptures, and Ferne followed in those footsteps. She wore out many Bibles as she marked passages and penned notes in the margins. Her prayer list grew longer and longer as she took on the role of a prayer warrior for the Lord. Daughter Janice became a missionary nurse to Haiti, and Ferne faithfully prayed for her ministry. She made 13 mission trips to Haiti and one to the Dominican Republic. Anytime she learned of a need, she took it to heart. Ferne’s email address was PRWarrior, and she took that role seriously. Ferne spent the latter years of her life with Janice and her family and made Missouri her home. Her ministry of prayer, support, and encouragement continued through written letters and email. She covered her doors with prayer cards and pictures of those she held up to the throne each day. She rejoiced when they rejoiced and wept when they wept. Angel Ferne spread love and kindness wherever she went and to whomever she was with. She never missed an opportunity to ask everyone she met if they knew Jesus. At the age of 97, she began teaching a ladies’ Bible study in her home. She dearly loved studying the Word for each lesson. Ferne kept up with politics and prayed for those in office. She longed for a revival to sweep across America, the land she loved so dearly. On January 9, 2018, Ferne’s 99-year old heart began to weaken. At 6:00 pm, the Lord called her home, and Angel Ferne took off her prayer warrior armor and laid it at the feet of Jesus, whom she had faithfully served her entire life. Her legacy is so great, and she is sorely missed. If she were here, she would ask if those behind were ready to meet Jesus. Ferne has impacted thousands of lives for her King. Her earthly journey has ended, and she has received her reward. She is Home with Jesus. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the ministry of Ferne’s daughter, Janice, serving as a Nurse Educator in Haiti. Global Partners PO Box 50434 Indianapolis, IN 46250-0434 http://www.wesleyan.org/gp Account WM06-WM29-0097 1- 800-707-7715

Ferne Smith Cooper

November 28, 1918 - January 9, 2018