Ada "Pherne" Thomas Hollars Abney, 88, passed from this life in Fort Worth on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Greenwood. A private family memorial graveside service will be held in Nocona. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Abney and the family would appreciate memorial donations to be made to the American Heart Association. Pherne was born on Oct. 19, 1926, in Nocona. She was the daughter of the late Elder Ada Thomas and Magnes Albert Thomas. Pherne was a dedicated Christian woman who gave each day a purpose. Throughout her life, she ministered to others in many ways. Teaching Sunday school classes, helping with youth programs, providing food, transportation, a listening ear and helping hand whenever needed are just a very few of the areas the Lord used her in. She attended the Southside Church of Christ at the time of her passing. She loved working in the church pantry and was instrumental in setting up the "Sewing Missionaries" program - providing clothing for the needy in foreign countries. She was known for her sweet smile and concern for others. Pherne regularly visited nursing homes, assisted living residences, and private homes, offering assistance in any way possible and teaching and playing "42" with anyone interested. Pherne was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her life revolved around her family and the times she could be with them. Having "Show and Tell" with pictures of family members before or after Bible Study was one of her joys! Although she has passed from this life to her reward in heaven, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She definitely has left her mark in the minds and hearts of her family and friends - and her deepest longing and prayer has always been to be reunited with them for eternity. Also preceding her in death were her sister, Rosalie Thomas Yeargin, and two brothers, Magnes Albert "Dick" Thomas and Eugene Moore "Hoppy" Thomas. Survivors: Her husband, Paul Edwin Abney of Fort Worth; daughters, Katina Pherne Hollars Dickerson and her husband, Ken, of Alpine, Tenn., Teresa Kay Hollars Caswell and her husband, Don, of Mabank. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Darrin Dickerson and wife, Kerry, Brian Dickerson and wife, Amber, Kyle Dickerson and wife, Kasey, all of Tennessee, Benjamin and Caleb Caswell of Texas; adding to her blessings were five great-grandchildren, Montana, Dalton, Lexi, Levi and Ezra Dickerson, all of Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close loving friends.

Published in Star-Telegram on Sept. 13, 2015