Fern Geneva Heard Crosby

Granny Fern, as she was known to many, passed away on April 21, 2016. Fern was the first child and only daughter born to Willis and Osa Heard in Paden, Oklahoma on January 17, 1930. She was a child of the great depression but never lacked of anything due to the rich family life she had living and working on the family farm in rural Paden. Fern attended and graduated from the Paden ISD in 1948. That same year she married the love of her life, C. L. Crosby. The oilfield brought them to Texas where they settled in Odessa in 1963. It was here they raised five children of their own and offered hot meals, homemade cookies and candy, parental guidance, and “lake time” to anyone who walked through their door. Fern always had a smile and comforting words to anyone whose path she crossed. It was this innate nurturing that earned her a premier reputation as a caregiver in home healthcare, where she worked well into her 70’s. Fern is survived by two brothers, Clarence and Paul Heard of Paden, OK. Three in daughters, Joyce Watts (Sam), Mary Dixon (David), and Sandra Crosby (Lynn Hughes). 10 grandchildren, Tabitha Hendershot (John), Kent Watts (Karen), Andrew Watts (Kayla), Destiny VanHoose (John), Tiki Davis (Mona), Lauren Crosby (Tim Foad), Joey Dixon (Leslie), Shane Dixon (Sarah), Lance Arocha, and Candice Arocha. And 20 great grandchildren. Fern is predeceased by her Parents, husband C.L., son Danny Lee Crosby, daughter Clara Jo Arocha, and three grandchildren, Shannon DeAnn Coad, Christopher Dean Crosby and Robbie Lee Crosby. It is with a heavy heart that we take Granny Fern home to Paden, OK for burial next to her loving husband of 51 years. Visitation will be 4pm Wednesday, April 27th at Parks Brothers Funeral Home, Prague, OK. Funeral service will be held at Burnett Missionary, 10am on Thursday, April 28th. Services in Odessa will be held at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home on Monday, April 25th at 10am with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff who provided Mom care and comfort at Parks Senior Living for the last 4 months. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Home Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.