Ann Ferrell

DURHAM ~ Joyce Ann Ferrell, 90, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at her home in Durham. She was born on September 24, 1935 to the late Charlie Eric Shepherd and Olive Martin Shepherd in Wake Forest, NC. She was also preceded in death by her dear husband, Rev. Ernest H. Ferrell.
Ann was a loyal and devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She exemplified excellence in every role she encountered. As a daughter, she sought to honor her parents through her careful thought process of every life decision she made. As the elder sister, she met that responsibility with love and compassion, striving always to be the best role model she could be.
As a mother, Ann's greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising their daughter with love, faith, and unwavering support, always encouraging her to walk with integrity and purpose. Her guidance, prayers, and steady presence shaped Denise's life in countless ways, and her legacy will continue through her daughter.
Ann treasured her role as a grandmother-affectionately known as "Nana." She delighted in both of her grandchildren, making each one feel deeply loved and uniquely special. Whether through shared meals, thoughtful conversations, or quiet moments of encouragement, Nana's love created memories that will be cherished for generations.
As the wife of a pastor-a role she held in the highest esteem-Ann daily cherished the high calling she knew it to be. In this role, she was Ernest's greatest supporter and confidant, always ready to step in wherever she was needed. She helped often by leading the choir, playing the piano, teaching Bible studies and Sunday school classes, working in the church office, served as daycare director, and prepared meals for Wednesday evening church family dinners-just to name a few of the many ways she ensured the love of her life was supported and successful in ministry. Ann was, in every sense, the ideal pastor's wife.
She will be remembered by many for her warmth, quick wit, and the way she consistently put others first. One of her greatest strengths as a ministry partner was sharing her love of cooking-not only with her large extended family, but also with her church family. She often prepared meals for church members in need and joyfully hosted elaborate Christmas open houses for the entire congregation. Ann's love for people was beautifully demonstrated through her gift of hospitality.
Her kindness and strength will continue to live on in the many lives she touched, especially the numerous young pastors and their wives whom Ann and Ernest mentored throughout their 65 years of ministry together.
Mrs. Ferrell is survived by her sisters, Mamie (Gray) Sullivan, Jean (Lance) Bernard; daughter, Denise (Tommy) Simmons; grandchildren, Olivia Joyce Simmons and Greyson Daniel Simmons.
A funeral service will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at
1:00 pm, officiated by Dr. Marc Francis. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, prior to the service. Private family burial prior to the service at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the Medical Providers who cared for Mrs. Ferrell: Dr. Meredith Gilliam at UNC Geriatrics; Serana Markham, PA at UNC Geriatrics, Ellen Wilkes and the entire Memory Connect Care Team at UNC Geriatrics; and UNC Hospice. The family is forever grateful for the demonstration of loving care that was provided for Mrs. Ferrell's care at home by Betty Ann Lawrence, niece, Michelle Harris, Tina Parrish and Donna Rutledge
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to one of the following charities: Emergency Chaplains at P.O. Box 14762 RTP, NC 27709; Gideons International, PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214-0800; Durham Rescue Mission PO Box 11368, Durham, NC 27703; Ridgecrest Baptist Church Domestic and International Missions Program, 1104 Milton Rd, Durham, NC 27712.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.