Miriam Fern Northrup passed away January 22, 2022. The daughter of Stephen and Connie Due, Fern was born in Groveton, Texas, on August 19, 1924. She was married to Stephen Kelly Franklin and after being widowed, was later married to Jack Northrup. After living her first 93 years in Texas, Fern completed her life journey in Maryville, Tennessee, at Asbury Assisted Living.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Grady and sister Tressie, husbands Stephen (S.K.) and Jack, and grandson-in-law Mike Davis. Survivors include her three children, Stephen, Judy and Kelly and their families: Stephen, wife Alice, granddaughter Julie Davis and great-grandchildren Luke and Chase Davis; Judy and grandchildren Kate and Stephen; and Kelly, wife Kumiko and grandchildren Millie Hodge (Justin) and Kyle.
A diligent Christian, Fern faithfully attended church whenever able. Her last congregation in Houston was the Spring Woods Church of Christ. In Maryville, she attended Smoky Mountain Church of Christ.
Fern worked for many years within the Spring Branch Independent School District. She started her career within the district at Landrum Junior High, was the secretary to the principal for several years at Spring Branch High, and completed her career years at the district’s library processing center. Her love for Spring Branch extended to many Friday nights where she helped cheer on the gridiron Bears through many of the program’s most successful seasons in the 1960s.
In addition to her career and raising three children, Fern spent many hours volunteering at local hospitals and other medical facilities in Spring Branch.
Visitation will be held at Waltrip Funeral Home in Houston, Texas, on February 2, 2022 from 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. The family will hold a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, where Fern will be laid to rest beside husband S.K.
Those who prefer to make a donation rather than sending flowers can send contributions to either of her church homes: Spring Woods Church of Christ at 9955 Neuens Road, Houston, TX, 77080, or Smoky Mountain Church of Christ, 2206 Montvale Road, Maryville, TN, 37803
