Fern Derrickson Dalton

Fern Derrickson Dalton, 93, of Lexington, KY and formerly of Jackson, KY, died peacefully on April 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. She was born June 28, 1930, at Simpson, KY to Algin and Pearl Derrickson. A 1949 graduate of Breathitt County High School and a 1952 graduate of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing, her first job was at Good Samaritan Hospital. She later moved to Louisville and worked as a nurse at Baptist Hospital before returning to her hometown of Jackson in 1957. She finished her career as administrator of the Breathitt County Health Department, where she oversaw the opening of a new facility before her retirement in 1991. A former member of the First United Methodist Church of Jackson, Fern later became a member of Southern Hills United Methodist Church in Lexington, where she volunteered for many years.

Fern was a voracious reader and enjoyed keeping up with current events, especially by listening to The Ramsey Show and watching CNN. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and setting a beautiful table with her crystal and china. During her years living on Picnic Hill in Jackson, she enjoyed visiting a host of neighbors and friends. A lover of flowers, she always enjoyed the scenery of her carefully manicured courtyard. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her only grandchild, Allen.

Preceding her in death, other than her parents, were one son, Jimmy Dalton; the father of her children, James Earl Dalton; five brothers, Oscar, JB, John, twin brother Forrest, and Junior Derrickson; three sisters, Ruby Little, Maxine Means, and Marie Krupp. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Dalton Francis of Lexington, and Tracy Dalton Fletcher (Frank) of Jackson; one special grandson, Allen Fletcher of Lexington; one brother, Dr. Charles Derrickson of Morehead, KY. A host of nieces, nephews, and many friends also survive her. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church of Jackson. Visitation will begin at 1:00, followed by a service at 3:00 with Dennis Burrows and Danny Speas officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be sent to either the First United Methodist Church of Jackson or Southern Hills United Methodist Church.