Shigeko U. Ferguson's Obituary
Shigeko U. “Sissy” Ferguson, passed from this life on November 17, 2012 in Owasso, Oklahoma at the age of 80 years. Shigeko was born on November 3, 1932 in Hiroshimo, Japan to Moriaki and Hatsuko Umezaki. At the age of 13, she was at school; at the time of Hiroshima.”We were outside cleaning. It just flashed first, then got real dark. I didnt’ get scared. I was surprised.” The kids were taught to drop and cover their faces. Most of the kids and teachers did not survive because the spot where they dropped the bomb wasn’t too far away. Shigeko survived but was burned over two-thirds of her body. The doctors told her family she wouldn’t make it but her aunt treated her burns with cucumber juice, her cousin taught her to walk again and after several surgeries she healed. She met Lee Ferguson, a sailor stationed in Hiroshima. Lee used to come into her dad’s bank to exchange money and at the age of 30 she agreed to marry him at the American Embassy and they moved to the United States in 1963. She came to this country without speaking any English and taught herself by watching television. Lee preceded her in 1979. She later met William”Bill” Hartman who died before they could get married. She is also preceded by her parents; younger brother, Shozo Umezaki; and best friend of 50 years Ercile Thomas. Sissy is survived by her older brother Atsushi Umezaki, ; neighbor, friend, caregiver and daughter, Missy Holady and husband, Shane; grandchildren, Sara and Sydney Holady. Graveside services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens.
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