A TRIBUTE TO MISS FERNE BARKER 

                           While rummaging through my mom's old trunk, I found a "yellowed with age" spelling award signed and presented to me by Ferne Barker.  Although this "special lady" is no longer with us, this prompted me to pay a small tribute to her. 

Most of us here today look forward and immensely enjoy these Broughton Days and have for several years but I know of no one who enjoyed them more than Miss Ferne.  I know each of us has been touched by the loss of one or more loved ones--- the loss of Miss Ferne was universal--- her death left an impact on all who knew her.  To know her was to love her.  She was super-special and I would like to give you my version of her.  

When I first knew her, she was just Ferne, our nice "across the alley" neighbor.  Then I got a little bolder and sneaked across the alley to visit her at every opportunity.  I really "dogged" her footsteps.  I, a mere 5-year old, could not understand how she could accomplish all she did--- keep house for her dad, watch over an elderly grandmother, do laundry for six people (including her two grown-up twin brothers, Joe & Roe), tolerate Fred's dirty pigeons and still wear a smile on her face.  How many young women could handle that today?  

       I thought myself one of the luckiest to have Ferne for a neighbor but when I learned she was to be my teacher, I was overjoyed.  I couldn't sing her praises highly enough to my mom and dad but I really didn't need to--- they loved her too.  The only difference at this point was now I had to put "Miss" in front of her name and call her Miss Ferne and Miss Ferne it was everafter.                                                

         My first  day of school was her first day so I guess you might say we "blundered through" together.  Most children need time to adjust when they first start to school--- no need for that with Miss Ferne--- she was like a second mother to her students.  And most teachers have pets--- not Miss Ferne--- she showed no partiality.  She had an endless supply of patience, understanding, and caring that never seemed to run low.  As a teacher, she performed many duties=== she wiped noses, doctored skinned knees, dried tears and settled disagreements--all of this tirelessly.   A combination of the above spelled "Miss Ferne".     

           So speaking on behalf of others who knew and loved her, I want to thank God for loaning us one of his angels for awhile.  I know how much he needed her but I guess he turned his head for a second and she slipped away to us.  A couple of years ago, we gave her back to him.  I wonder if her special name up there is Miss Ferne too?   And so Miss Ferne if you're smiling down on us today, remember we loved you and miss you very much.                                           A VERY CARING STUDENT            RUBY (BROWN)  REASOR