Obituary of Fern Bliss-Morgan
With deep sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of Dr. Fern Beatrice (Sammons) Bliss-Morgan, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, who passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones and friends on January 7, 2025, at the age of 81.
The oldest of two children, Fern, affectionately given the nickname “Susie” at an early age by her grandfather (Lacey Johnson), was born on October 26, 1943, in Lewes, Delaware to her parents, Charles Robert Blanch of East Orange, NJ and Blonnie Vera Sammons of Lewes, DE.
Fern, as a child, received her primary education from Rabbit’s Ferry School, a one-room schoolhouse, which included grades 1 through 8. It was there that she discovered her love of teaching by admiring her mentor and teacher, Ms. Hilda Norwood, who would remain her inspiration throughout Dr. Fern’s life. Fern went on to attend W.C. Jason Comprehensive High School, graduating in 1961. After graduating high school, she attended Delaware State College (also known as Delaware State University) majoring in Elementary Education. She proudly became the first member of her family to attend and graduate with a degree in higher education in 1966, setting a new milestone for generations to come. Fern went on to obtain her master’s degree from Glassboro State College/Rowan University in Elementary Education (M. Ed) in 1973 and reached her ultimate educational goal in 2014 by graduating from Newburgh Theological Seminary with a doctorate degree, majoring both Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Along with these achievements, she also received two post M.A. certificates of supervision and principalship. Her lifelong dedication to her own educational journey fueled her passion to guide, teach, and inspire those around her.
Starting as an elementary school teacher, her career spans from 1966 to 2014, over 48 years. She served as an educator, then as vice principal at Powell Elementary, Parkside Elementary, and Cooper's Poynt School located in Camden, NJ, prior to retirement. After retirement, she became an adjunct professor for 5 years at Rowan College, preparing future teachers to venture into the teaching profession, well-prepared and with a sense of confidence only she could ignite. Fern was a true teacher at heart, she knew the balance between being stern and making learning fun, which made her loveable, an inspiration, and admired by many of her students, past and present. She not only cared for her students’ instructional growth in the classroom, but also the challenges many faced at home. She truly understood the saying “it takes a village”.
Fern was an active member of Mount Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Camden, NJ. Her roots in the Seventh Day Adventist Church began when her grandmother, Helen Johnson, converted to the Adventist Faith when Fern was a teen. She held several positions at her current home church to include being the president of the 50 plus club, a former Pathfinder leader, member of the church board, sabbath school teacher, and service as the church clerk, as well as volunteering in the counting room. She never missed a camp meeting, attended events at Pine Forge Academy, often taught at her home church’s school, and read the children’s stories during morning services, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Fern was a faithful member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc, as well as being active in both the W.C. Jason and Delaware State Alumni Associations, located in Delaware.
Fern was a registered member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation of Bridgeton, NJ. She was very proud of her Native American heritage and the historical line of noble leaders she descended from. Fern was driven by her cultural aspirations, which led her to focus her doctorate degree studies towards developing a curriculum tailored to address the educational needs of today’s Native American children. While her health was in good standing, she attended pow-wows, submitted photos and family highlights to be featured in the annual pow-wow program booklet and the latest tribal t-shirts, not to mention enjoyed frybread and Indian Tacos. She made sure her daughter could attend with her grandchildren, so that the legacy would live on.
In her spare time, Fern loved to travel, often taking cruises. She visited many places throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the West Indies, and Africa. In later years, she enjoyed spending time at the senior center, doing art and craft work. She enjoyed shopping, eating at her favorite restaurants, reading, listening to gospel music, and watching her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. She was also an avid collector of roosters, which she displayed in her dining area proudly.
Most of all, Fern was family-oriented, and deeply cherished spending time with her family. She was a devoted mother to her only child, Stacey Ricketts (Bliss) of Dover, DE, grandchildren, Stacia Emeharole of Houston, TX, Galya Cooper of Ogden, UT and Craig Ricketts of Dover, DE. She leaves behind a close cousin since childhood, Lawrence Sammons of Millsboro, DE, as well as aunts, Anna Harrison of Rochester, NY and Barbara Johnson of Millsboro, DE. She is preceded in death by her only sister, Sandra Kaye “Sam” Sammons, and her mother, Blonnie Vera McCall. She leaves behind many relatives, which include nieces, nephews, cousins, in addition to friends, who loved her so much. She will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at 12 noon, Friday, January 24th, 2025 at CarusoCare, Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home located on 6600 Browning Rd, Pennsauken, NJ 08109. The viewing is from 11 -12 prior to the service.. Pastor Best of Mt. Olivet SDA Church of Camden, NJ will officiate. Burial and live streaming information TBA. Arrangements by Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home - Pennsauken, NJ. Please send Cards and letters of condolence to: Stacey Ricketts, 892 Woodcrest Drive, #1-3 Dover, DE 19904.
Affectionately submitted,
The Family.