Sister Mary Dianne Ferguson, beloved teacher, dies at 89

Sister Mary Dianne Ferguson, RSM, a Sister of Mercy who served throughout Central Arkansas and the South, died Feb. 10. She was 89.

Born Patricia Jo Ferguson to Ralph and Josephine Uekmen Ferguson July 14, 1935, Sister Dianne was a North Little Rock native who attended St. Patrick School, then Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock before graduating in 1954. She entered the Sisters of Mercy Sept. 8, 1956, and professed final vows Aug. 16, 1964.

Sister Dianne earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, Texas, before returning to Arkansas to teach at both of her alma maters. She also taught at schools in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Missouri. 

Sister Dianne began ministering in the St. Louis Province finance offices in 1981 and continued in her service and hospitality to others in this position until 2019. 

She is survived by one brother, Tony Ferguson Sr.; and two sisters, Dianne Hudson and Judy Wright. A private memorial Mass and burial will be held for the sisters and her family.