Nelda Marie 'Dr. Nelda M. Ferguson' Ferguson

Dr. Nelda Marie Ferguson, 86, of Edmond, OK, went to be with her Lord and Savior December 6, 2011. She was born February 23, 1925, near Okemah, OK, the daughter of the late Irene and Bob Unterkircher. She was the oldest of 6 siblings. In 1943, she married John Phelps, who was killed in battle in the European area near Normandy on July 11, 1944. In 1952, she married Earl Ferguson, who also preceded her in death. Dr. Ferguson graduated with a teaching degree from Oklahoma A&M University. Upon graduating she taught for several years before taking a position as the County Demonstration Agent in Sapulpa. She moved to Oklahoma City in 1955, where she taught school for a number of years before deciding to continue her education. In 1962, she received a Masters in Education from Central State University and received her Doctorate in the field of Clinical Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. She co-founded Timber Ridge School. For over 40 years, she proudly practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist in the Oklahoma City area. Dr. Ferguson was a member of Crossings Community Church, where she served the Lord in a number of ways. Her favorite was counseling those in need at the Crossings Community Clinic. She gratefully volunteered her professional services until the last week of her life. Dr. Ferguson was a loving, caring, compassionate and strong example for all of us and will be greatly missed. She was survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Johnel and Frank Harrison of Oklahoma City; daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Harold Fisher of Arcadia, OK; grandchildren, Jeff Wood and his wife, Amanda, Julie Vassar, Jon Graves, Bettyann Walker and her husband, Brooks, and Jenifer King and her husband, Josh; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her five siblings. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 9, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at Crossings Community Church Chapel. The family of Dr. Ferguson would like to thank Dr. Greyson, Dr. Allen, Dr. Sawhenney, Dr. Grode and the staff of Mercy Hospital for their professional care. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Ferguson's family requests donations be made to Crossings Community Clinic, 2208 W. Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 242-5470. She picked cotton, she mourned, she learned, she taught, she loved, she served, she went to heaven…she will never be forgotten.