Fern Neomia

Highley

Fern Neomia Highley, daughter of the late Ernest Leman Black and Hattie Belle (Watson) Black, was born in Bunker, Missouri, on March 18, 1929. She was called to her Heavenly home on November 18, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, on November 18, 2025, at the age of 96.

On February 28, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, Fern was united in marriage to Angus Clifford Highley Jr. and to this loving union two sons were born. He preceded her in death on November 10, 2003. Fern was a member of the Greeley Community Church, Eastern Star and Red Hatters. She enjoyed going to church, going swimming, quilting and baking. Her greatest joy was spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one granddaughter, Andrea Brewer, one great-granddaughter, Hiley Brewer, and three sisters, Judith Elaine Wisdom, Juanita June Wisdom and Ernest Rosalee Patterson.

Fern is survived by her sons, Byron Clifford Highley and wife Tracy of Marshfield, Missouri, and Roger Craig Highley of Bunker, Missouri, two sisters, Edith Nash of Salem, Missouri, and Karen (Warren) Parker of Hillsboro, Missouri, 2 grandchildren, Erica Grace (Highley) Buehler of Strafford, Missouri, and Ethen Byron (Emily) Highley of Strafford, Missouri, and 6 great-grandchildren, Hunter Brewer, Adalynn, Alyssa and Justice Buehler, and Cora and John Highley. Fern will be deeply missed by her family and friends who will mourn her passing.

Visitation: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12-2 PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Bunker, Missouri

Funeral to follow at 2 PM

Minister: Pastor Scott Wisdom

Burial: Bay Cemetery

Pallbearers: Ethen Highley, Hunter Brewer, Cody Martin, Art Day, Stacey Misuraco and Scottie Nichols

Honorary Pallbearers: Dannie Patterson, Terri Patterson and Mark Nash

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to Greeley Church

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Bunker, Missouri