Fern Reynolds Waller

Fern Reynolds Waller

Shreveport, LA - Born September 30, 1925, in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, she died December 23, 2013 surrounded by her family. Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Wendell E. Reynolds and Flossie P. Reynolds. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Friday, December 27, at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

A graduate of C.E. Byrd High School, Fern attended Centenary College where she majored in fashion apparel and marketing. She loved music and dancing, particularly tap dancing, and helped provide entertainment for the WW II soldiers in Shreveport. Fern was married 66 years to her husband, Dayton H. Waller, Jr., who survives her as well as their four children: Dayton H. Waller, III (Kellye), Elizabeth "Sissy" Waller Johnson (Walter Fair), Elaine Waller Moreau (Doug), and Kathryn Waller Long (Donnie). A member of First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Fern served on numerous committees and with her husband, Dayton Jr., bestowed to the church, the Bridal Suite in thanks to God for their children.

Fern was a member of the Junior League of Shreveport where she chaired many positions, including Co-Chairman of the Rummage Sale. This training contributed skills to produce her own "famous" bi-annual garage sale at her home for many years.

As a business woman, Fern owned and operated with her dear friend, Marilee Harter, a women's fashion apparel store, Hart-Wall I & II (later to become Fern Waller's, Inc.)

A wonderful organizer, Fern participated in, co-chaired, and chaired positions in Shreveport organizations such as the Symphony Guild, the Opera Guild, the Women's Department Club, and the Little Theater Guild. She, also, served as Ball Chairman for the Plantation Club, the Demoiselle Club, and the Cotillion Club.

An excellent cook, Fern contributed to developing and maintaining the menus for her husband's restaurant, "The Evangeline Restaurant". She made her famous fruitcake cookies at Christmas for family and friends and taught her family how to make fudge, divinity, dateloaf, and caramel candies. A Saturday morning wasn't complete without her homemade waffles!

Known as "Granny", she dearly loved her grandchildren: Heather W. Herrmann (Gene), Lauren W. Scallan (Shane), Emily W. Ensor (Kelly), Megan W. Walpole (Danny), Dayton H. Waller, IV, Walter F. Johnson, IV, Elizabeth Johnson, Erin J. Bailey (Adam), Andrew H. Johnson, Noel M. Funderburk (John), Suzanne Moreau, Alden Moreau, Donald B. Long, IV, Dayton H. Long, and David W. Long. She was, also, blessed to have ten wonderful great-grandchildren.

Fern often said, "A job is not complete unless it is done well and done right". Amen, Mother.

In lieu of flowers, Fern requested donations be made to the Baptist Children's Home, First Baptist Church of Shreveport, or the charity of your choice.