Mom the Mighty Fern

My Mom, Fern Christian Nevatt

1930-2016

Fern Christian was born on June 6, 1930, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Her father, Otto, was 33 years old, and her mother, Mary, was 28. She married Paul David Nevatt on July 2, 1949, in her hometown. They had two children, Sue and Mike. She passed away on March 25, 2016, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 85, and was buried there.

Mom disliked her first name, Eula. She would say, “I’m really Fern.” Otto and Mary Christian had six sisters and one brother. Dairy farm chores were tough, but everyone pitched in at Christian Dairy to make a living. Whole milk, cream, and butter were delivered daily in Poplar Bluff. Mom hand-milked a cow sitting on her little black stool. Living during the depression years was hard. Mom had already lost her older sister, Wilma, during the Poplar Bluff tornado on 11, 1927. Life on Roxy Road had few luxuries but plenty of love. Mom and her sister Norma would sneak milk bottles to the corner grocery store to buy candy. When asked where they got the money, they would say, “We found it under a rock.” On Saturday nights, they listened to the Grand Ole Opry. Grandpa had won the radio at the sale barn contest. Fourth of July celebrations involved homemade ice cream and soda pop. Mom excelled in school. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a talented singer who received the music award at graduation. Shortly after graduating, Mom became the manager of Woolworth’s food counter. Dad, working at Western Electric, often ate lunch at her counter. He liked the roast beef and gravy, as well as the manager at the counter.

Mom later moved to Springfield, Missouri, to join the Nevatt family. Weekends were spent at the James River property, where we enjoyed swimming and picnics. She always made the best baked beans and blackberry cobblers. Fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, angel food cake, and lemonade rounded out the visits.

Mom had an extraordinary singing voice. She received the music award at her high school graduation. She sang with a radio trio in Poplar Bluff. She maintained a lifelong friendship with her high school music teacher, Mrs. Hearne. During Christmas, she and two friends would sing at Heer’s Department Store, with their concert broadcast over Springfield’s public square.

Her leadership included roles as PTA president, church choir leader, and executive director of the Greene County Mental Health Association. She was an active member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She also served as president of the Missouri State Federation of Women’s Clubs. She often said, “If you need something done, ask a busy person.”

Mom was a devoted wife. She cooked hearty dinners and packed her husband’s suitcase each Sunday night for his weekly travel to new telephone installations. She cared for my brother, Mike, and me. She was also beautiful. Her desk was cluttered, but she knew where everything was. If not, she’d just buy another one. She loved her three grand kids and enjoyed summers with them, taking family vacations. We all miss Mom’s vibrant personality.

We Had Fun.

Your Daughter, Suzanne P. Nevatt

Her Chair Is Not Empty.

Her chair is not empty.

Memories abound.

Remember the smell of fresh fruitcakes, made with her favorite recipe. A song from heaven still echoes, “His eye is on the sparrow, I will not fear.”

A good wife and mother, a leader for all. When she said, “We will call the meeting to order,” she meant for everyone to listen. Her black van, still in use today, drives her great-granddaughter to school every day. All loved the mighty Fern. My mother, my friend. Tell all my family in heaven I can’t wait to see them once again.