Fern Wiggins Scholarship

Born in the Norwegian community of Clifton, Texas, Fern grew up on the family farm at Norse, a place where a great and loyal work ethic was nurtured. She attended grade school and Jr. High at the Norse Turkey Creek School. After graduating from Clifton High School, she attended Clifton College, where she met her future husband, Tommy (T.J.) Wiggins. They graduated together, with him entering into a career as a Navy pilot and Fern entering the Providence School of Nursing in Waco, Texas. 

In 1944, Fern earned her R.N. Nursing degree and completed the Texas State Board Registration for R.Ns. At this time, she also became a full member of the National Red Cross Nursing Service as a First Reserve. Thar same year, Fern married Tommy Wiggins, her college sweetheart. Living on the Naval base in Pensacola, Florida, she studied and was awarded the Florida State Board Registration for R.N.

The next few years held many adventures while traveling and living on Naval bases in several states and the Philippines. During this time, Fern and Tommy welcomed into their family two sons, John and Jack, and a daughter, Mary Linda. 

After retiring from the Navy, the Wiggins family returned to Clifton, Texas. While Tommy farmed, ranched, and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Fern began a committed 37 l /2-year Nursing career at Goodall-Witcher Clinic and Hospital (Clifton Medical and Surgical Clinic). Fern worked in several areas, including emergency, hospital, and surgery, but for most of her many years, she worked in the clinic at the side of Dr. WT Holder, M.D. 

Fern was recognized by the Harvard Medical School and Brigham And Women's Hospital for 40 continuous years of participation in the Nurses Health Study to further the knowledge of women's health issues. She was also a lifelong member of the Providence Hospital Nursing Alumni Association.

Her compassion, empathy, humility, and nurturing spirit was a blessing to countless patients, whether friend, stranger, or co-worker. Fern was well known for always having a big smile char could light up a room and for the joy in her heart. She was always ready and willing to offer a helping hand to everyone. She made even the smallest child comfortable just by her countenance.

Fern was a role model of what the nursing creed charges. Through her positive attitude, wisdom, and encouragement, many young men and women pursued a career in the medical profession, some of whom she personally sponsored. She was passionate about the sustainability of community healthcare, no matter the size, and encouraged the training and education of anyone willing to carry on this vital role. One note of interest indicates her professionalism; Fern was the very last Goodall-Witcher nurse to continue to wear the traditional white nursing uniform dress, hose, and shoes, along with her white cap.

In 1991 Fern retired, hanging up that cap but not her volunteer spirit. In simple terms, even after retirement, Fern continued to give of herself and wholeheartedly served her family and friends, former patients, the community, the Goodall-Witcher Hospital Nursing Facility, her church, and most of all, God. She was selfless, devoted, and committed to being a lifelong volunteer in all aspects of her life. Often she would say how blessed she was to be able to continue to serve others. She was loved by all!

Fern's standard of professional medical care, as well as her spirit of volunteerism, is exemplified by these words, which she took to heart and lived by every day of her beautiful life.

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Let my heart ever be open,

to the beauty of others, to the sorrow of others,

to the need of others, to the love of others.

Let me lose myself in the service of others that I may more surely fulfill! life's purpose.

~ Joan Walsh Anglund

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Fern left a legacy of love and encouragement, so in keeping with her strong desire to help further the education of many to come, WR. and Mary Linda (Wiggins) Collier have established the Fern (Johnson) Wiggins, R.N. Endowed Nursing Scholarship at Lubbock Christian University. The BSN Scholarship is offered to qualified applicants, with a preference given to applicants from Bosque County or those with a personal or family connection to Fern.