Leah Fern Woodson Janaury

On April 21, 2018, LEAH FERN WOODSON JANUARY completed her list of earthly tasks, and went to be with her Heavenly Father. She was born September 10th, 1926, the fourth of five children, to R.E. and Nell Cole Woodson at 1011 N. Monroe St. in Little Rock. Fern began her journey through life helping her father in his grocery store after school in Little Rock. After graduating from Little Rock High School at 16 she married and a year later her daughter Cheryl was born. They moved through work opportunities to eventually be around Washington, D.C. where for a time Fern worked for Arkansas Senator Fulbright. She parted from her husband around this time and Fern moved back to Little Rock and started her own business "Take a Letter", which was a secretarial service. Beginning on Spring Street, she eventually grew to maintain offices in the Tower Building. After selling this business she became a court reporter in the Little Rock system. Cheryl and her husband Charles had moved to Indiana where he was doing graduate work at Purdue University. Fern decided to be where they were and thus began a journey of finding work wherever she was. She appeared on the TV show "To Tell the Truth" where panelists try to guess which of three contestants possesses an unusual talent, occupation or subject. That night Fern was there because she had worked at over 100 jobs at that point in her life! Two of the four panelists successfully selected her. Other than moving to live and work in various places, Fern just liked to be moving and traveling. Whether overseas or in the United States, she loved to visit new places and vistas. Fern studied to get a pilot's license, but couldn't stomach the smaller airplane's ups, downs, and sideways movements. She settled for a motorhome and off she would go for weeks and months at a time to some new destination usually with a grandchild or three. She loved her church family and her faithfulness to her Lord was seen in her attendance up until a few weeks before she died. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Elmo Woodson and Lacy Woodson; and her sister, Reba Highfill. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl and husband Charles; grandsons, Scott (Susie) and Jim Born; granddaughter, Carol Born; great-grandchildren, Jason, Audrey, and Eric Born; sister, Maxine Byrns, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom Brokaw wrote a book in 1999 that labeled those who went through the Great Depression and World War II as "The Greatest Generation". This large group who worked hard, raised families, and fought fearsome enemies is leaving us at a rapid pace. Fern was one of "The Greatest Generation" for truly making America great. Fern exemplified the characteristics which belong to these Americans and it is our loss to see them pass away from our communities. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 29th, at 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Little Rock. Memorial contributions may be sent to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 5520 Woodlawn, Little Rock 72205. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.