Fern Wiggins

Heaven opened up on February 14, 2016 to welcome home our Valentine, Fern Johnson Wiggins, 94, of Clifton, TX. Funeral services will held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18th, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton with Pastor Clayton McCord officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 17th at Clifton Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery at Norse. Organist for the service will be long time friend, Martha Erickson and soloist will be John Erickson.

Clara Fern Johnson was born on June 27, 1921, in the Norwegian community of Clifton. Fern was baptized into Christ at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in 1921. She was also confirmed there on Pentecost in 1935.

Fern grew up on the family farm at Norse, a place where a great and loyal work ethic was nurtured, and attended grade school and jr. high at Turkey Creek School. In 1939, Fern graduated from Clifton High School, after having been a cheerleader for the Clifton Cubs. She then attended Clifton College where she met her sweetheart and future husband, Tommy Wiggins. On their very first date he fell in love with her beauty and sense of humor, and told her, "someday I'm going to marry you". She laughed. These two spent many happy times at Clifton College, where she served as a very popular head cheerleader, and he played quarterback for the Clifton College Cats. They graduated together, with him entering into a Navy career and Fern entering the Providence School of Nursing in Waco, TX. Upon graduation with an R.N. degree in 1944, Fern married Thomas Joseph Wiggins (Tommy) on October 7, 1944. For the next 10 years, they had many adventures while traveling and living on Naval bases in Florida, Rhode Island, Texas, California, and the Philippines. During this time they welcomed into the family son John Thomas (1947), daughter Mary Linda (1950), and son Jack (1953).

After retiring from the Navy, the Wiggins family made their home in Clifton. While Tommy farmed, ranched, and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Fern began a committed 37 year nursing career, working at Goodall-Witcher Clinic and Hospital (Clifton Medical and Surgical Clinic). Nearly all of these years she worked at the side of Dr. W.T. Holder, M.D., whom she greatly admired. Her compassion, empathy and nurturing spirit was a blessing to countless patients, whether friend or stranger. With her guidance, wisdom and positive attitude, she encouraged many young women to pursue a career in the medical profession, being a role model of what the nursing creed charges. She always had the right words, as she spoke from her heart.

In 1991, Fern hung up her nursing cap with retirement, but continued to serve her community well into her 90's. Her spiritual compass always pointed to heaven. She was a loyal member of the Trinity Lutheran Church since 1954, holding most offices within the congregation. Having served as President for 2 terms, she was also a faithful servant of God, as a member of the Trinity Lutheran Woman's Organization and also as a long term member of the Trinity Alter Guild. Fern was a charter member of Naomi Circle, later becoming Ruth Circle. She held most officer positions and served as President from 1985-1987. She volunteered with Vacation Bible School and camp scholarships as well as transportation.

As a mother of 3 growing children, Fern served as a P.T.A. officer, Cub Scout Den Mother, and as a member of the Clifton Band Parents Association. Fern was a member of the Bosque Museum, served on the Sunset Home Quilt Auction Board of Directors, and was a V.F.W. Auxiliary member since 1954. She was a member with the Bosque Arts Center, and for many years was an officer with the Clifton Civic Society, planning and helping every year with the annual turkey dinner. Fern was a selfless volunteer at Goodall-Witcher Nursing Facility, helping individuals participate in style shows, outdoor activities, and especially playing bingo. She had patience and always felt blessed to be able to continue serving people in need. Fern was also a lifelong member of the Providence Hospital Nursing Alumni Assoc. Her involvement and continued participation in the sport of golf was a wonderful inspiration to so many people, as she continued to play well into her 90's. She even won 2nd place in her flight in the State of Texas Senior Ladies Golf Tournament. She was a member and officer of the Bosque Valley Woman's Golf Association. Fern made many friends on the golf course, young and old, and everyone viewed her as fun loving and full of life. She had a great appreciation for all sports and loved God's wonderful creation, whether it was a puppy, kitten, flowers, trees or even a rock garden. She enjoyed just sitting outdoors with a cup of coffee and soaking up God's glorious sunshine. Fern enjoyed traveling the world and going on cruises, and at age 86 went to Egypt and rode a camel! At age 92 she rode a jet ski!!

Fern will always be remembered by all her family, countless friends, and hundreds of former patients. No matter what, she always, always, always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. Grounded passionately in her love of God, family and friends, she had a kind, warm and gentle spirit. You don't often meet someone who is as free spirited and adventurous as Fern, yet is so very generous, devoted and loving. All her family members and friends were her best friends forever (BFF's).

She is leaving a legacy of love. It was Fern's greatest desire and she prayed daily for all of us to someday, through God's grace, receive everlasting life with our Father.

Pallbearers will be Scott Wiggins, Chris Grimes, Brian Wiggins, Drew Wiggins, Brent Wiggins and Shep Sands.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Merle Belcher, Terry Watson, Olee Bakke, Ed Bryn, Dr. Richard Spitzer, M.D., Dr. D.A. Gloff, M.D., Dr. W.F. Key, M.D., Gene Finstad, Darrell Ivey, Gene Aars, Freddie Odom, and Timmy Kliene.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Wiggins; parents, Oscar and Alma Johnson; sister, Agnett Johnson and brother, Ocee Johnson.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, son, John T. (LouAnn) Wiggins of Plano; daughter, Mary Linda (W.R.) Collier of Lubbock; son, Jack (Marianne) Wiggins of Ft. Worth; granddaughters, Traci (Shep) Sands, Jennifer (Chris) Grimes; grandsons, Drew Wiggins, Scott Wiggins, Brian (Laura) Wiggins, Brent Wiggins; great grandchildren, Cayce Sands, Tyller Grimes, Kylie Wiggins and Kinley Wiggins; nieces, Marilyn Johnson, Kathy Polanchek; nephew, Mark Johnson; special caregivers, Jennifer Harvey, Tonya "Tweety" Phoenix, and Kyrie Moon, and a host of many, many "Best Friends Forever".

One of Fern's favorite sayings was "Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God".

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Fern Wiggins Memorial Fund, care of First Security State Bank, P.O. Box 69, Clifton, TX, 76634. Donations will be used for a future project that will honor Clifton's cultural heritage.

Condolences may be made at www.cliftonfh.com