Birdie Bliss Ferrell

Birdie Bliss Ferrell was born in Marvell Arkansas, to Lillie (Franklin) & Walter Lewis. She was actually named Leslie at birth, but her paternal grandmother Mary changed her name to Birdie Bliss. And wow, did it fit her. She was loud and effervescent. Even though most of us were not there, we can probably be certain that ever since she could say Birdie Bliss, she made it a point to be loud and proud about her name. Her name was different, and it demanded a person that marched to the beat of their own drum...which she did. She was truly a unique light. Like a hummingbird moves from flower to flower, so could she move from her anger to laughter. Her rebound was fascinating, it lasted for what seemed like mere moments. She didn’t like confrontation or spending too much time being upset.

She enjoyed learning. She had a stint at UCLA and also worked there for a time as well. She went to stenography school as well and spent some time working as a Jr Paralegal. In the late 90s she attended cosmetology school, which she really enjoyed - most likely because it involved being social. She loved being social and often shared stories about the ladies in her school.

Whether it was an established brick and mortar, the common room at her senior apartment bldg., or a weekly television pastor, she enjoyed church very much. She enjoyed bringing up topics from sermons to discuss with her daughter Heather; their discussions could go on for days. Because of church she saw the importance of donating her time to those in need. Each week she volunteered once a week at the soup kitchen. She took it seriously too. Quite often, she would be on the phone with her daughter, ending the call with, “I better get off this phone, I need to be up early for work at the soup kitchen.” Catch that? She called it work. She was serious about her volunteer work.

Her life preference was: Be with the ones you love. Break bread with the ones you love. Share a laugh and some stories with the ones you love. She was very giving. At various points of her life, a brother and 3 nieces, amongst other family members had a residential stint at Birdie’s. She had a big heart and looked out for her loved ones and helped when she could. Fun fact: due to her big heart and wanting people to feel welcome, she insisted on keeping alcohol at home, but not for the residents to drink. It was for any company that may stop by.

Birdie ran a tight ship as a single mother. She turned to God as her moral compass to guide how she raised her children. She was very strong, she had to be, but her strength looked unassuming beneath her glowing smile and contagious laugh. From raising a daughter just as unique and headstrong, who constantly challenged her, a son with an equally vibrant personality, being diabetic, having 3 hip replacements, heart complications, or kidney disease: No matter what life threw at her, she handled it with grace and would not let her trials keep her down.

She taught her children to have faith. She carried her faith with her, as that was her foundation and the source of her strength. Like many of us, she had reasons to give up and be down on herself, but that just wasn’t her. She did not have time to be sad. It took away from her time to enjoy life.

Birdie Bliss Ferrell was born 9th, of 12 children. She is the last girl, and loved bragging about how she grew up around mostly boys. Her surviving siblings are Lillie Edwards, Luther Lewis, Leon Lewis, and Alfred Lewis. In 1967, she married Eudon Ferrell, with whom they share two children. She is survived by her two children Derek Ferrell and Heather Ferrell, as well as her grandchildren from her son, Derek Ferrell Jr., Akil Ferrell, and Laila Ferrell.

...And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services held at:

Parkcrest Christian Church • 5950 E Parkcrest St • Long Beach, CA 90808 • 11am • Repast to follow

Sunrise March 10, 1941 - Sunset September 4, 2021

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rosehills.com for the Ferrell family.