Fern was born on December 2, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Wallace H. Long and Rose Lee Weems. After pursuing her studies to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, Fern furthered her education by earning her RN from Murray State College in 1988. Her career began atArbuckle Memorial Hospital, and in later years, she devoted herself to home health care, nurturing her patients with the same love and dedication she gave her family. To Fern, those in her care were more than patients—they were family.

An adventurous soul and lover of travel, Fern made her way across the U.S. and into Canada, cherishing every chance visit with family and friends. A woman of many passions, Fern loved playing bingo, caring for her home, and doting on her numerous grandchildren and beloved pets. One of her proudest accomplishments was owning her own home, a testament to her determination and independence.

Fern is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Rose; siblings Roxie Giacoma, Anna Sumpter, Harry Jones, and Sheryl Beck.

She is survived by her children Nicole Zoellner, Steven Hewitt, and Robert Fallin; siblings Donna Stanford, Von Coggins, Jolene Mann, Wallace H. Long Jr. and Janice Pratt; grandchildren Chris Hewitt, Justin Hewitt, Steven Hewitt Jr., Ashley Hewitt, Josh Stokes, Amber Edgar, Lacey Blevins, Emory Zoellner and Kelsey Zoellner as well as her 13 great-grandchildren.

“I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, That, we are still.” – Henry Scott Holland