Fern Louise Pittser Humphries

Fern Louise (Pittser) Humphries, 104 years, was called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 28, 2026. Born on March 19, 1922, in her grandmother’s home in Chandler, Oklahoma, Fern was the daughter of Montie Fay (Kanady) Pittser and Newell Albert Pittser.

Fern was the second oldest of seven children: Ruth Criswell, Opal Pittser (who passed at age 3), Lovetta Pittser (at 1.5 years), Newell Pittser (at 1 month), Wanda Sanders of Oklahoma City, and Sue Latham. Of her siblings, only Wanda Sanders survives her. Fern graduated from Shamrock High School in 1939, where she excelled as an athlete in basketball, track, and softball. Known for her quickness, she earned numerous awards in long jump, high jump, and relay races.

On October 2, 1940, Fern married the love of her life, Joseph Dean “JD” Humphries, in her mother’s living room in Shamrock, OK. Their marriage spanned nearly 65 years until JD’s passing on July 26, 2005. Together, they raised three sons: Jerry Dean (born 1941), Bobby Gene (born 1944), and Newell Wayne (born 1947). Fern embraced her role as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, navigating the joys and challenges of raising three boys under the age of six with grace and humor.

Fern’s remarkable life spanned 104 years, during which she witnessed a century of profound historical events and technological advancements, from world wars and economic recessions to the invention of modern conveniences like televisions, space exploration, and computers. A cherished memory was the day she received her first electric washer and dryer in the early 1950s, a life-changing moment for her and her family.

JD’s work took their family across the United States, from Shamrock, OK, to Anaheim, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Odessa, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Aransas Pass, TX; Moore, OK; and Okemah, OK. In the 1960s, Fern began working as a cashier at TG&Y, where her dedication earned her a promotion to floor manager during her 14-year tenure. Later, in Okemah, she worked at Palace Drug Store and then Sooner Drug for 10 years, simply because she enjoyed having her own spending money. Fern was a lively and social woman who loved playing Canasta and dominoes. She and JD especially enjoyed dancing at the VFW in Henryetta, OK, where they would twirl to the music of Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys, Loretta Lynn, and other country legends, often ending their evenings with breakfast before heading home.

At the age of 30, Fern made the life-changing decision to follow Christ, being baptized in Shamrock, OK, at the Church of the First Born. She most recently held her membership at South Moore Baptist Church, where her faith remained a cornerstone of her life.

Fern is preceded in death by her parents, husband JD, siblings Ruth Criswell, Opal, Lovetta, Newell, and Sue, her eldest son Jerry Dean, and her granddaughter Kristy Nelson. She is survived by her sister Wanda Sanders, sons Bob his wife Theresa Humphries, and Newell Humphries; four granddaughters, Kandi Wilson, Shari Ardies, Melisa Ott, and Kim Andrews; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren, as well as four nieces and two nephews.

Above all, Fern wanted to be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and resilience. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her love, humor, and unwavering strength.

Visitation will be held at Primrose Funeral Service, 3901 N Flood Ave., Norman, OK 73069, US, on September 2, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Primrose Funeral Service, 3901 N Flood Ave., Norman, OK 73069, US, on September 3, 2026, at 10:00 am.  

Final resting place will be Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 2301 E. Indian Hills Rd., Norman.