Amy Marie Hardin Ferguson passed away on August 18, 2022, at her home in Bartlett, Tennessee, five days after her 87th birthday. Marie was born August 13, 1935, at her grandmother’s house in Leachville, Arkansas, the first of four daughters to Howard Hardin and Amy McHaney Hardin. She grew up on a farm a few miles away in Arbyrd, Missouri. From a young age she picked cotton and chopped cotton alongside her mother and sisters. After graduating from Arbyrd High School in 1953, she attended Freed Hardeman College for two years then transferred to Memphis State, where she met the love of her life, Forest Ferguson. After a six-week courtship they married, and Marie happily never again worked in the fields.
A gifted athlete, Marie played basketball in high school and college, and with a semi-pro team in the early days of her marriage. She was an avid bowler, golfer, and bridge player for many years. She was also a fan of most sports and in later years could frequently be found watching basketball, baseball, golf, and tennis on TV. She loved traveling with Forest and trying her luck at casinos. Before her children were born, Marie worked as a secretary and taught 2nd grade. Over the years Marie and her family lived in Memphis, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. In 1993 she and Forest settled in Lakeland, Tennessee.
Marie faced many health challenges over the years but persevered with courage, humor, and grace. She impressed all who knew her with her kindness, wit, quiet strength, and optimism. Her loving commitment to Forest, her daughters, and her other friends and family was unwavering.
Marie was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Forest Ferguson. She is survived by her three daughters: Marfe Ferguson and husband George Delano, Karen Wolverton and husband William Wolverton, Sherri DeCoursey and husband Scott DeCoursey; grandchildren Allison Delano, David Delano, and Dan Sorge; a great-granddaughter; sisters Barbara Petty, Carolyn Holloway, and Donna Prysock; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service in celebration of Marie’s life will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN, on August 24, 2022, at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:30-11:00 am. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Marie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or other charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Ferguson family.
