Eula Fern Christian Nevatt, 85, died peacefully March 25, 2016, in Mercy Hospital surrounded by family. Fern was born in Poplar Bluff, MO, June 6, 1930, the daughter of Mary Malissa Brown and Otto Algia Christian.
In 1949, she was united in marriage to Paul David Nevatt, of Springfield, MO, who preceded her in death. To this union were born two children, Sue Nevatt and partner Susan Gettys, and Mike Nevatt and wife Linda, all of Springfield, MO. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Tera, Steven, and Stephanie; 6 great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Eva, Murl, Wilma, Norma, Imogene, and Cornelia.
Fern was a volunteer all her life, focusing on making life better for others. She was active in PTA, Walnut Lawn Church of God, Greene County Mental Health Association, Green Haven Nursing Home, Burrel Mental Health Center, General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), GFWC Sorosis Club of Springfield, and Rachel Donelson Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She served as treasurer, secretary, and president of GFWC of Missouri in 2004-2006. She was one of the founding members of the Burrell Mental Health Center and continued to serve on the board until her death. She was featured in Springfield Magazine in October 1986 as "Mental Health Pioneer" and in June 2004 for "45 Years Making a Difference."
She loved to travel especially to her beloved Sanibel Island where she would comb the beach for prize seashells. She also had a beautiful voice and sang at church and at various music club activities. She sang on the radio when she was in high school on a weekly show in Poplar Bluff, MO. She also enjoyed family picnics on the property owned by the family on the James River. She was an avid Cardinal baseball and Lady Bear basketball fan.
The family would like to thank the staff at Magnolia Square for the wonderful care they provided while Fern was there during her recent rehab stay.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walnut Lawn Church of God, 554 W. Walnut Lawn St. Springfield, MO 65807, or to the GFWC Music Scholarship fund, in care of Susan Gettys, GFWC MO treasurer, 3144 E Topping Circle, Springfield MO 65804.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 29th, at 11:00 AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, followed with burial at Hazelwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 28th, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.