Mrs. Carola McFarland

Mrs. Carola McFarland passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015 at the age of 91 years. Carola Barnett McFarland, 91, of Saginaw, MI, passed away on June 26, 2015. She was born one of fifteen children to James Barnett Sr. and Rosie R. Barnett on January 27, 1924 in Palmyra, Mississippi. Carola was raised and educated with her siblings in Palmyra and later moved with her family to Newellton, Louisiana. In 1946, she married her childhood sweetheart, Alfred McFarland and moved with him to Saginaw, Michigan. After the move, Carola provided dedicated service as a nurse’s aide at Saginaw General Hospital. She was quite active in the lives of her four children, serving as leader of the Camp Fire Girls, served as President of Mothers Club for the Boys Scout Troop 17 and continued her interaction in the club for many years after her son’s maturity out of the Boy Scouts in support of other deserving troops. Carola also was a faithful volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Red Cross. Carola McFarland was a true loving child of the Lord. She joined Tabernacle Baptist Church upon her arrival to Saginaw and remained a faithful member for over 50 years, serving in the Missionary Society and as President of the Pastor’s Aide Club. Mrs. McFarland remained faithful to Tabernacle Baptist Church until poor health necessitated that she divide her time between Saginaw and Atlanta, Georgia. For the last 10 years she has summered at home in Michigan and spent her winters in Atlanta. While in the South, she became a member of Big Bethel AME Church and during summers in Saginaw, she attended Agape Faith Fellowship with her daughter, Denise. She was loved and cherished by both congregations and was frequently found after church “holding court”, as she greeted the many parishioners of both congregations who loved and cherished her. Even with failing health, she could be heard talking to the Lord through a moan. You could often hear her saying, “Lord, I’ve got my hand in yours and you have mine.” Ms. Carola was a friend to many and her warmth radiated first from her smile and then from her heart. She would always find the right words to say and the right thing to do in any situation. Mrs. McFarland is preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Alfred McFarland; son, Andrew McFarland; siblings, Mr. Willie Barnett, Mr. Ernest Barnett, Mr. Herbert Barnett, Mr. Phillip Barnett, Mr. Arthur Barnett, Mrs. Lillie Moore, Mrs. Virginia Coleman and Mrs. Delnita Thompson. Mrs. Carola McFarland leaves to cherish in her memory: daughters, Ophelia Denise Cliatt and Jacqueline M. Washington MD; son, Calvin Perry McFarland; grandchildren, Nathaniel Harris (Carolyn), Calvin Perry McFarland Jr., Adrienne Nicole Cliatt, Yvonne Michelle Cliatt, Lauren Elise Washington and Colin Vincent Washington; 6 great-grandchildren, Jalen Arthur Cliatt, Charity Harris, Nathaniel Harris Jr., Nathan Nashford Harris, Doniyah Toney and Laila Clarice McFarland; sisters, Mrs. Barbara McCree, Mrs. Irene Barber; brothers, Mr. Leon Barnett and Mr. Earl Barnett. She also had many other adoring relatives, caregivers, church family and friends. Carola Barnett McFarland, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, mentor and a true child of God will live in our hearts forever. She touched so many hearts in a mighty way. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 810 Cathay Street with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Joseph Rodriquez, Sr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Thursday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Carola McFarland

January 26, 1924 - June 26, 2015