Mrs. Fern Lockheart

The breath of life entered the physical body of Fern Lockheart (nee Hughes) on Sunday, August 23, 1935, and she became the youngest daughter to Charles Hughes and Rose Fleming. She was born in Sallis (Attala County), Mississippi. On the 26th day, May 2019, at approximately 9:00 a.m., time expired for Fern. At age 83, she peacefully completed life's course and crossed the finish line at in Milwaukee, WI after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Her spirit ascends to a divine place where she is reunited and joyously received by her loving husband Willie Albert Lockheart, Father (Charles), Mother (Rose), "Grandma" Maggie Fleming, and many other Hughes and Fleming ancestors . Fern's journey in the informal school of life began in the town of Sallis, a small rural community of less than 375 people during the Great Depression era. She relocated to Durant, MS with Grandma Maggie where she received her formal education at Holmes County Training School, specializing in Home Economics. At age 17, Fern graduated as Salutatorian of her school in June 1953. Shortly thereafter, she moved north to Chicago, IL to join her mother and sister (Evelyn) . Fern eventually moved to Milwaukee, WI and began working as a secretary at McNeal & Moore, a clothing store at Mayfair Mall. After 15 years of professional service in retail, Fern traded her typewriter in for a hard hat where she worked at Miller Brewing Company as a bottle labeler for 20 years. She met Willie Lockheart and their courtship began. The relationship flourished and they had no doubt that their love for each other was forever; on Saturday, November 28, 1981, at St. Mark A.M.E. Church, where they were surrounded by family and friends, Willie and Fern made a promise to be husband and wife until the end of life on Earth. After nearly 15 years of marriage bliss, her gentle husband became an ancestor on June 21, 1996. Fern loved to go fishing and bowling; she really enjoyed playing Bid Whist; and had fond memories of playing Pitty Pat with her mother, Rose (which is also her favorite flower). Orange was Fern's favorite color. Fern was a super fan of Frank Sinatra who sang the theme of her life "I faced it all and I stood tall; and did it my way." She traveled to many states throughout America, her homeland; and enjoyed all the pleasures there was on the many voyages on the sea to different countries. Fern held a great adoration for the dolphin, which became her trademark, after having pleasant, playful encounters in Las Vegas, NV and at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL. Fern became an active member of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in the early 1980s, giving her time and sacrament for the Lord. After many years of kingdom work, Fern was recognized for service and dedication to the St. Mark AME Church Food Pantry, clothing drive and a member of a special group called The Tea Ladies. YeMI is truly loved and her physical presence will be intensely missed by her beloved sister and friend, Evelyn Major of Evanston, IL; her loving nephew, Jerome (Denise) Major, Sr. of Evanston, IL; her surrogate daughter/niece, Michelle (Sam) Holifield of Milwaukee, WI; and her beloved family-in-laws, Gregory (Ruth) Calvin and Sandra Thurman of Milwaukee, WI. She leaves to cherish fond memories, her long-time and special friends: Benny Bell, Barbara Culler, Dorya Darnell, Gloria Davis, Doris Harmon, Nikki Harmon, Lennie Mosley, Marlene (neighbor), Krista Payton, Diane Taylor and Leona Alford of Milwaukee, WI. Fern will be especially missed by a host of other adoring family members and friends.

Mrs. Fern Lockheart

August 23, 1935 - May 26, 2019