W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Fern Elizabeth Halsell, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at her daughter's home in Rockville, Maryland. Fern Halsell lived her life according to the disciple Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13. From that scripture, she learned to be content in all situations and to rely on the Lord for all of her strength.

Fern was born on April 4, 1927, in Woodford County, Kentucky, to her late parents Elizabeth Caldwell and George Lampkins. At the early age of two, Fern contracted polio, a disease that afflicted her right leg. To receive medical care, she and her mother moved to Lexington and then Louisville, Kentucky. Between the ages of 2 and 11, young Fern underwent multiple surgeries and spent the majority of her time in and out of the hospital until age 19.

Fern graduated from Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky. She went on to attend Louisville Municipal College. In 1950 she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Louisville Municipal College, the racially segregated college of the University of Louisville for African Americans. In 1975, Fern furthered her education by receiving a Masters in Education with an emphasis on reading literacy from the University of Louisville.

While attending Louisville Municipal college she met and married her soulmate for life, Edmond Wood Halsell (who later became Rev Edmond Halsell in the 1970’s). They were married at the Jefferson County Courthouse on June 12, 1950 and celebrated their first meal as husband and wife at the Chickasaw Park. From their union came two girls, Teresa Ann Halsell and Carolyn Elizabeth Halsell Jackson (deceased).

Fern taught English in Jackson Junior High, Louisville Public School and later moved onto teaching reading in the school system spanning a career of over 27 years. Jackson Junior High became Meyzeek Middle School with the merger of the Louisville and Jefferson County Public schools and the ongoing desegregation of the Kentucky school systems. After retirement in the 1990’s , she worked an additional 13 years at the Volunteer Talent Center and recruited other retired teachers to return to the school system to volunteer to read with students.

Fern Halsell received Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. She joined Green Street Baptist Church in 1947 and remained an active member until her death. Sis. Halsell loved her church and her church family very much. Fern served in the church faithfully. She taught Sunday School, was the Sunday School secretary, assisted the pastor with New Member Orientation, was a member of the Women’s Church Aide Committee and the Missionary Union, served as the Church Historian, and directed Vacation Bible School. She also regularly attended Morning Service, Prayer Meeting, Baptist Training Union, and Bible Study. While in Maryland, Fern would watch her beloved church services online. Sister Halsell was also a member of the Derby Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, and she was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Fern´s proudest membership was that of the body of Christ. She loved the Lord and looked forward to seeing Him face to face.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Rev. Edmond Wood Halsell; her beloved daughter, Carolyn Elizabeth Halsell Jackson; her parents, Elizabeth Caldwell and George Lampkins; her grandparents Sadie Samuel Caldwell and William ¨Bodie¨ Mack Caldwell; her big brother and sister-in-law, James Sheddrick ¨Sheddy¨ Lampkins and Rae Lampkins; her favorite aunts and uncles, Amanda Killbrew (Elizabeth´s twin), Elsie Graham (Aunt Pie), John Caldwell, George Hughes (Uncle Brother), Hurvey Mack Caldwell, Sally Bottoms, and Willie Corine Knight (Aunt Honey).

Fern leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Teresa Ann Halsell of Rockville, MD; two granddaughters Iman Halsell Jackson and Nneka Mahalia Moseley both of Louisville, KY; four great-grandchildren, Isaiah Wood Jackson, Nalah Carolyn Jackson Seyfried, Laurynn Gabrielle-Neema Moseley, and Wesley Lincoln James Moseley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and friends.

Services will be held at Green Street Baptist Church 519 East Gray Street Louisville KY 40202 on Friday, July 1, 2022 5:00-7:00 pm (viewing); Saturday, July 2, 2022 11:00 am (funeral); burial at Louisville Cemetery 1339 Poplar Level Rd Louisville KY 40217 on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 11:00 am (burial).