Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Ferne Harrell

Apr 11th, 1928 - Aug 3rd, 2022

      Ferne M. Bussey Harrell, age 94, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

      She was born April 11, 1928, near Rinard, Illinois, to Verner and Maggie (Weiler) Bussey.  On January 24, 1946, she was united in marriage to Charles Harrell.  He preceded her in death on March 29, 2006.  This happy union of 60 years was blessed with two daughters, Janet Rebecca, and Judith Ann.

      Ferne graduated from HSTHS in Flora in 1945.  She worked as a cashier for J.C. Penny Co. in Flora.  She was a farmer’s wife who helped with all aspects of the farm, driving the tractor, and driving grain trucks to the elevator.  She also kept books for her husband’s garage.  She loved having a garden and canning and freezing the produce.  She enjoyed camping and traveling, visiting all 50 states.  Ferne loved to sew and had made quilts for her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of the Flora First United Methodist Church and Clay County Hospital Auxiliary where she served for twelve years as the treasurer.  For many years she had made surgery pillows for the surgery department.

      She is survived by 4 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

      She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter: Janet and husband Ray Rigg, daughter: Judy and husband Paul Winters; and a sister: Velma Davis.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Cisne Cemetery.  Visitation will be 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to First United Methodist Church or Clay County Hospital Auxiliary and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com