Fern A. Tilley

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Fern A. Tilley, 89, Nevada, Mo., passed from this life on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. Fern was born on June 28, 1925, in White County, Ark., to Rufus Herbert Blurton and Martha Melissa (Ketterman) Blurton. She was united in marriage to Glenn C. McAfee on Feb. 26, 1946, and he preceded her in death in 1970. Fern later married Lord Willis Tilley on Oct. 26, 1986, and he preceded her in death in 2011.

Fern grew up in Mississippi and came to southeast Missouri in her early teens. She later moved to Macks Creek, living there until 1971. At that time, Fern came to Nevada, where she continued to make her home. Fern was a homemaker, she loved to sew and was also an excellent cook. She worked for 10 years for Joy and Clinton McKenzie in the restaurant business. Fern grew up in a baptist church and accepted the Lord at an early age.

Survivors include one daughter, Jean Derringer, Nevada; one stepson, James Tilley, Jefferson City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Michael Derringer, Nevada, Robert Derringer, Bolivar, Mo., and Melissa Derringer, Nevada; four great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Rylan, Vince, and Wesley; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one stepson, Kenny Tilley; four brothers, Kerwin Blurton, Junior Blurton, Frank Blurton, and Arnie Blurton; and two sisters, Jane Pennell and Nona Stoner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 22, at Mission Ridge Baptist Church, Macks Creek, Mo. Interment will follow in Big Niangua Cemetery, Roach, Mo. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.