Fern Carver Chester (97) of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Fern was born in Amarillo, Texas on March 9, 1928, to Roy Carver and Stella (Witt) Carver during the Great Depression. Fern had four siblings, Leroy Carver, Russell Jay Carver, Stella (Carver) Sherwood, and Charles Carver.

Fern grew up in Amarillo in the midst of the Dust Bowl and would often recall vivid memories of intense dust storms and massive, smothering clouds of dust in those years.

Fern’s love of learning and service was inspired by her parents. Her father taught math in public school. Her mother earned a teaching certificate as well. Her parents were invited to the White House twice, by two presidents, to receive acknowledgment for their public service and to attend a national Conference on Aging.

After graduating from Amarillo High School in 1946, Fern attended college at ACU (then Abilene Christian College), where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1950 with a degree in Home Economics – graduating third in her class and as the top female graduate that year. Following college, Fern worked at Public Service Company in Amarillo for two years and conducted cooking schools in cities in the region. She enjoyed her early years as an independent career woman.

Fern would say that her parents had two requirements for her: go to college and marry a preacher. As it turned out, while at ACU, Fern met the love of her life, Ray Chester, a handsome young preacher from Pocahontas, Arkansas. Fern and Ray continued their courtship after college and married in 1952.

They served in Churches of Christ in Vernon, Texas, Lawton, Oklahoma, and Washington, DC. They lived in Washington, DC during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations and the Civil Rights movement and had a chance to get to know people from across the country and the world.

Around 1965, Ray and Fern and their four children moved to Searcy, Arkansas, where Ray was the Minister at the College Church of Christ, and in 1967 moved to Austin, Texas, where they finally settled. They served at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ (1967 - 1983), and then at Round Rock Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where Ray was minister until his death in 1987. At every church, Fern was always present and supportive, and a favorite of young and old alike. At her behest, children knew and addressed her informally as “Fern”.

Fern and Ray raised four beloved children: Paul Chester, born in Wichita Falls, TX; Philip Chester, born in Lawton, OK; Nancy (Chester) McCranie, born in Washington, DC; and John Chester, born in Washington, DC.

Paul and his wife Cleo (Moura) live in Houston, TX where Paul is a professional jazz guitarist. Philip graduated with a B.M.Ed from ACU and a M.M.Ed in jazz from the University of North Texas, and is a music teacher and plays woodwinds in musical theater productions and jazz groups in and around NYC; he and his wife Debra (Kennamer) split their time between NYC and Laredo, Texas where she is an ER doctor. Nancy graduated with a B.A. from ACU and a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS) and is the Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Hospice Austin; she and her husband, Sheldon McCranie (Bill), live outside Austin in McDade, TX. John graduated with a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School, and is an attorney based in Long Branch, NJ.

After years focused on raising a family and being a ‘preacher’s wife’, Fern was excited to return to the workforce in the mid-1970’s. She took a job as a secretary at Sweet Publishing in Austin. Thereafter, she became the director of a large Meals on Wheels operation in East Austin, where she was known for her organizational skills, warmth, and tireless service – often delivering meals to several senior citizens after hours of managing all meal preparation and volunteer services.

Finally, Fern worked for APTS as Administrative Assistant to the Dean, overseeing the doctoral and continuing education programs for 21 years until she retired. She loved being at the seminary and interacting with faculty, staff, and students, many of whom became lifelong friends. During these years, Ray earned his Doctor of Ministry and Nancy earned her M.Div. at APTS.

After Ray passed away in 1987 at age 61, Fern reinvented her life, embracing independence and forging new friendships. She became an active member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), would attend lectures and educational programs at APTS and The University of Texas. She was an active participant in movie groups, her AAUW Culture and Cuisine group and Contemporary Literature Book Club, and a sewing and stitchery group, among others. She had a deep love for music and the performing arts and had season tickets to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Opera, the Zach Theater, and would attend plays and musicals at UT, Zilker Park, and elsewhere whenever she could. She was always on the go, and when she wasn’t, she read voraciously. She also enjoyed listening to Great Courses to expand her learning. She woke every morning to classical music and NPR programs.

Fern was truly one-of-a-kind and had endless curiosity and energy. Like her father, she was always smiling and laughing and looking on the bright side of things. She was committed to her faith, her values, and the many communities to which she belonged.

She especially loved being Grandma to her six grandchildren and loved to spend time with them. There are countless stories of badminton games, arts and craft projects, cooking lessons, water balloon fights, going to plays, concerts, and musicals, and occasionally braving a skateboard, bicycle, or even a zip line (at age 85!), much to the delight of her grandchildren (and sometimes the chagrin of her children).

At age 93, Fern reinvented her life once more, moving from the family home of 54 years in Northwest Austin to Buckner Villas, a retirement community, in April 2021. She made new friends there, participated in activities, attended performances, and watched movies in the theater. She would join as many fitness center classes as she could – and was the proud recipient of the community Fitness Award in November 2021. In late 2022, as her short-term memory declined, she moved into a memory care setting at Buckner, where she was happy and content through her final years.

Everywhere she went, Fern was a shining star, brightening every room and conversation with a twinkle in her eye and a big smile. Thank you, Fern, for your example of a life well lived. We will always love you.

Fern is survived by her four children, Paul, Philip, Nancy, and John, daughters-in-law Cleo and Debra, son-in-law Sheldon, and six grandchildren, Andrew and Aaron Chester, Cassady and Patrick McCranie, and Audrey and Carolyn Chester.

Fern’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the extraordinary care and support Hospice Austin provided to Fern.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice Austin in memory of Fern (hospiceaustin.org/get-involve…)

Memorial Service for Fern Chester:

A service in memory and celebration of the life of Fern Chester will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Shelton Chapel at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Following the service, friends and family are invited to a reception at the McCord Community Center, located next door, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Location:

Shelton Chapel

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

100 E 27th St, Austin, TX 78705

All who knew and loved Fern are warmly welcome to attend.

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