Fern J. Hadley - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Fern J. Hadley

Born December 28, 1910

Fern J. Hadley, age 104, of Hockessin, DE and formerly of Newark, DE, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, December 12, 2015.

Fern was born in Wilkes County, NC on December 28, 1910, and was the oldest of ten children born to the late Robert and Estelle Waddell. As a young girl, she attended a small country school where her father taught. In high school, Fern played basketball and participated in many activities. On May 5, 1934, she married the late Harold David and the couple had two sons, Douglas Carrol and Charles Robert.

At the beginning of WWII, Fern accepted a position with the Navy that brought she and her sons to Delaware. In 1946, she married the late Jack Hadley and together they ran a successful plumbing and heating business. Fern also had a successful career with the DuPont Company for several years.

She was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Newark and was the last of the founding members there. Fern was especially proud of her work in her church and was honored for her many years of service. In her leisure time, she enjoyed baking for family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Fern was preceded in death by her son, Douglas and 7 siblings. She is survived by her son, Charles; sisters, Claudine Bucci and Lucille Siscoe; 8 grandchildren, Cherie, Theresa, Douglas, Deborah, Charles, Jr., Donna, Nichole and Victor; 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday morning, December 18, 2015, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 215 E. Delaware Avenue, Newark, DE 19711, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in White Clay Creek Cemetery, 15 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church at the address listed above.

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2 Condolences for Fern J. Hadley

  • My parents, Iven and Alice Bryant, were also founding members of Calvary. Mother died just 4 years ago at age 100. Dad died in 1999 at age 91. Fern cut and served the cake at my wedding in 1952 and again at our 50th anniversary party.

  • What wonderful memories you have of Fern. How many people could say that comment about serving the cake. She would have loved that you told people about that time in her life. Thank you for sharing.