Wynona Fern (Gillespie) Brown, 91, of Springfield passed away January 30, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Emory E. Brown and her sister June Hanson of St. Joseph, MO.
Fern was born April 19, 1920, in St. Joseph, MO. She and her husband reared their family in Chillicothe, MO. where they lived for 20 years. Fern’s hobbies were playing the piano and square dancing. She served many years as a Girl Scout leader, MYF leader, and as a pianist for children and youth choirs at the Methodist church.
When Emory retired, they moved to Springfield where Fern became an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and several square dance clubs. In 1992, Fern earned the AARP Award for Outstanding Volunteer to the Community for playing the piano for 20 years at Primrose Nursing Home and leading Bible study for the residents. She was a member of the National Grandmother’s Club and helped give birthday parties for the residents of Daybreak. Her greatest legacy, however, was the love and faith she instilled in her daughters.
Fern is survived by one sister, Bonnie May Bennett of Beloit, WI; two daughters, Judith Marie Kretzschmar Elliot and Carol June Adams and her husband Dr. W.J. Adams (better known as her son Jep) of Manteo, NC., six grandchildren: Todd Kretzschmar and his wife Kristy of Raleigh, NC; Tracy Fisher and her husband Patrick of Springfield; Shaun Adams of Raleigh, NC; Emily Wilson and her husband Mike of Louisville, CO; Katherine Gomez and her husband Miguel of Greensboro, NC; Caroline Adams of Altamonte Springs, FL; and four great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Kassidy, Tommy, and Emilio Emory as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Fern’s family appreciates the loving care given by the staff of The Maples Nursing Home and Regional Hospice.
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 5, 2012, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home South. A Celebration of Fern’s life will take place Monday, February 6, 2012 at 10:00 am, at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jim Massey officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO. Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist.