Lafern Lane

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Lafern Marie "Fernie" Lane, 87, of Jefferson City passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab.

Fernie was born Aug. 12, 1935, in Fruitland, the daughter of Clarence Pearl and Dorothy Ellen Webb Morton. She grew up in Southeast Missouri and was a 1953 graduate of Jackson High School.

In 1954, Fernie married Earl Wilson Stovall, and from this marriage her two children were born. On Sept. 12, 2009, she married Dale Leroy Lane at Wesley United Methodist Church in Jefferson City. She treasured their relationship until Dale passed away March 22, 2016.

Fernie held various secretarial positions in Jackson, initially working for Jackson Oil before transitioning to roles at First Presbyterian Church and Chamber of Commerce. She relocated to Jefferson City and began her career with Missouri State Highway Patrol, working out of their General Headquarters Office. She was employed as a criminal records clerk for almost 15 years until her retirement.

A woman of unwavering faith, Fernie was active in churches in both Jackson and Jefferson City. She held membership at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson and found joy in serving on its welcoming committee, ensuring that new members felt at ease. This role was a perfect fit for Fernie, who effortlessly connected with people from all walks of life. Fernie was a member of Jackson Jaycees and indulged in playing cards as part of several bridge groups. When she moved to Jefferson City, she became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. At both churches, she was involved in church groups and singing in their choirs. She kept herself busy and was committed to her faith and community.

Fernie possessed a nurturing nature and cherished spending time with young children. She also had a passion for travel and had the good fortune of visiting numerous destinations with her family, including New England, the Grand Canyon, Mexico and even embarking on an Alaskan cruise. During her children's younger years, they particularly enjoyed visiting Branson, Missouri, with its attractions such as Table Rock Lake and Silver Dollar City.

Gardening and receiving flowers brought her joy, and she took pleasure in reading books, staying up-to-date with the latest hair styles and collecting souvenir handbells.

Above all, Fernie held an unwavering love for her family and consistently demonstrated her steadfast support for them. She never missed any family activities and events, taking pride in being a dedicated military mom, supporting Steve in his career. Her warm smile and sociable nature effortlessly drew in family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Steven Stovall (Sandy) of Diamondhead, Mississippi; three stepdaughters, Nancy Kay Lane of Jefferson City and Pamela Wheeler, both of Jefferson City, and Beth Ann Pickard of Blue Springs, Missouri; two grandchildren, James Logan Stovall II (Erin) and Erin Jessica Cox (Derrick); four great-grandchildren, Gabriel Stovall, Grace Cox, Colton Cox and Emery Cox; six stepgrandchildren, Heather Peters (Tracy), Jennifer Jorgensen (Cory), Amy Wheeler, Matthew Wheeler (Tabitha), Sydney Pickard and Meredith Pickard; seven great-stepgrandchildren; one great-great-stepgrandson; sister-in-law, Mary Morton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fernie was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents, Clarence and Dorothy Morton; daughter, Kerri Dawn Parks; five siblings, William Morton and his wife, Dorothy; Robert Morton; Marjorie Frost and her husband, Roy Brown; Ronald Morton and his wife, Diane; and Nelson Morton and his wife, Carol; stepson-in-law, Kim Wheeler; and step-grandson, Christopher Wheeler.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, in the Freeman Chapel, with the Rev. Steve Blacksher officiating. Graveside service and interment will be at Riverview Cemetery.

A web cast of Fernie's service will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, for friends who aren't able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website, www.freemanmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association by mailing contributions to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO, 65102.