Birth date: Nov 28, 1918 Death date: Jan 9, 2018
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 rejo Read Obituary
What a surprise to learn of Ferne's passing. She had just sent an email to me only two days prior with a special prayer for Vonnie,. my wife, who is suffering from dementia. Such a special lady; always there to intercede. We moved to Alexandria, Virginia, in 1970, and met Ferne, her mother, and family when we began to attend Aldersgate Wesleyan Church in Falls Church. Such a special time. I remember her mother so well. She was a prayer warrior; I assume she was Prayer Warrior #1. Her mom was such a sweet person; I loved seeing her every Sunday. Ferne was involved in so many things. Full of love, life, and that personal care for the individual. Ferne and Mable McDaniel were a major influence in raising our son, Van. To this day I can visualize events. I visualize seeing Ferne and her mom sitting together in the pew. I visualize Ferne at the piano during service. I visualize Ferne playing piano during choir practice. Always loving and always with that wonderful smile. Such a testimony to what the Love of Christ can do in a person's life. I dearly loved this lady.
Janice you know I loved your mom a lot and very thankful for her prayers.
One of my favorite memories of her was the time I spent the week-end w/her and she wanted to go to Ames' to get something and she got lost on the way. I can still hear her say "I've been to Ames' many times " she & I laughed about this. As you well know every time I'd call after that I'd always say "want to go to Ames" and she'd know who it was. She really did make an impact on my life and so have you. I'm so glad allowed me to meet her and not her but you also. I love you my friend and know I am praying for you.
We only met Ferne once when she was living with her daughter Jeaneen and Tim in Fairfax. The family was such a help to us in making our trip to visit the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. We remember the beautiful supper and the huge pieces of chocolate cake that were served to us with such love! Ferne continued to pray for us and write us letters that often contained the prayer that she prayed. This was especially meaningful when my sister Evelyn suffered lymphoma and died in 2016. Also, when Bruce was in cancer treatment and Ferne faithfully prayed for him.
We send our heart-felt condolences to Tim and family, and Janice and Mitchel and family in this time of great loss but also a time of rejoicing. We feel the loss, too! And, we also rejoice with you in the great hope that we will meet again.
We would love to join you in the celebration of life at the Leesburg Nazarene Church but the distance is too much for us to travel now. But, we will be remembering the family in prayer this Sunday in our Sunday School class at the Elgin Church of the Nazarene in Elgin, Illinois.
Bruce and Mabel Callender
Rest In Peace Mrs. C! You were such a spiritual influence in my Christian life. You always had a word of encouragement for everyone you met. Jesus was your constant companion and you gave Him all the praise and glory. I will miss your friendship and emails. Well done, good and faithful servant!
