Fredi Abernathy

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Fredi May Abernathy, 81, of Perryville died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at Perry County Memorial Hospital.

She was born Nov. 19, 1931, in Wittenberg, Mo., to Steve and Daisy Roberts Garris. She and Bobby Gene Abernathy were married Nov. 10, 1963, in Crosstown, Mo.

Her family lived in Indiana and Tennessee, settling in Crosstown in 1943. Fredi attended Perryville schools. In the early 1950s, Fredi and her sisters, Winnie and Faye, sang together on a local radio station in Illinois as the "The Garris Sisters".

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Fredi worked in St. Louis and at International Shoe Co. in Perryville before marrying and starting a family.

Fredi enjoyed many hobbies and interests through the years. She enjoyed genealogy and helping others with their research. She loved sewing and embroidering quilt blocks, which she had made into many quilts. Fredi also enjoyed reading, cooking and music.

She was a caretaker for family members and friends when they were ill. She had a love for all animals and took in many homeless pets.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby Gene Abernathy of Perryville; a son, Steve Abernathy of Perryville; a daughter, Daisy (Dan) Vance of Jefferson City, Mo.; two grandchildren, Rachel and Natalie Vance; a sister, Fay (Harold) Noe of Jackson; and a brother, Michael (Alice) Garris of Crosstown.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Winnie Bradley.

As per Fredi's wishes, the service will be private.

Miller Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made in her memory to the charity of the donor's choice.