Lafern B. Waters, age 98 years, a resident of Vienna since 1964 and a native of the Simpson community, passed away Monday morning, May 14, 2018, at 8:11 AM at Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna.
Lafern was born September 22, 1919 in Simpson. She was the daughter of William T. Bradley and India (Baker) Bradley.
On September 16, 1942, Lafern was united in marriage to Harold ‘Red’ Waters in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on April 21, 1973.
Lafern is survived by a dear friend and caregiver, Edwina Arington, of Vienna.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lafern was preceded in death by a beloved cousin, Maxine Morrow, in March 2018.
Lafern had been employed from January 2, 1958 – August 30, 1966 in the office of the Johnson County Clerk and Recorder. For an 8 month period of time during 1962, Lafern served as the appointed clerk and recorder following the vacancy of that office by former clerk Clinton Jobe. Later, Lafern was employed until her retirement as a teller at the former Drovers State (now Banterra) Bank in Vienna.
She was a 50+ year member of Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star. She was a former member of Valley # 108 White Shrine of Jerusalem as well as the Vienna Women’s Club. Lafern enjoyed traveling. She had been on a number of group tours through the years and even had the opportunity to visit Hawaii. Lafern and Red had enjoyed fishing. She also enjoyed spending time socializing with friends.
Lafern was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Vienna. She loved her church and missed worshipping when her declining health prevented her regular attendance.
A service honoring the life of Lafern Bradley Waters will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, May 16, 2018, at 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Dr. Ed Hollis will officiate. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday afternoon from 1 PM – 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 727, Vienna, IL 62995.
To share a memory of Lafern or to leave an online message of comfort for her family, please visit www.baileyfh.com