She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Elliott; her parents, Eugene Gilbert and Patricia (Grady) Sandlin; and her sister, Pam Gilbert.
Fern is survived by her sons,Tony (Tammy) Smith, Doug (Stephanie) Smith, and Patrick (Brittnee) Elliott; her grandchildren, Justine (Mac), Bailey (Joe), Irelynn, Haley (Mike), and Coltyn; and her great-grandchildren, Avery, Nathan, Addie, Isabella, William, and David.