Eva Fern (Byers) Mann, 76, died on October 2, 2013 at Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis, TN.  Fern was born in Richland County, IL. She graduated from East Richland High School in Olney, IL in 1954. She immediately moved to Memphis, TN, where she lived until her death.

Fern was married to Charles Finley Mann, who was a World War II fighter pilot. Fern owned and showed horses for many years. She was an airplane pilot and a member of the 99’s, the women pilots association. She and her husband owned an airplane dealership in Memphis. Her husband, Finley, was founder of the 9th Air Force Association of which Fern served as secretary for many years. In 2012, she was given the 9th Air Force Association Warrior Award.

She stayed closely connected to the World War II fighter pilots and their families. Fern grew beautiful daylillies which she showed in local AHS Daylily Shows. She loved sharing her flowers with friends. She was a member of the Memphis Area Daylily Society and also the West Tennessee Daylily Society of Jackson, TN. She held several offices in the clubs.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Finley, her parents, Austin and Myrtle Byers, and one brother, Lowell Byers.

She is survived by one brother, Paul Byers; four nieces and one nephew.

Funeral services at Highland Heights Methodist Church, with Rev. Rich Cook officiating. Graveside services in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McKenzie, TN, with Rev. Merlyn Alexander officiating.

Published in The Commercial Appeal from October 4 to October 10, 2013