Joyce McFarland

A life well lived: Obituary of Joyce Annetta McFarland Joyce A. McFarland, age 72, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 20, 2015, while sitting in her favorite recliner in her home in Snellville, Georgia. Joyce was born on February 24, 1943 in Fayette County, West Virginia. Joyce was an independent, God-fearing woman. She was a simple woman; she didn’t need much to be happy – just God, family, and gospel music. In her earlier years, Joyce would get up, turn on her small, grey-colored radio, and listen to the gospel station, while she got dressed for the early morning service at her church. As she got older and she wasn’t able to attend service at a church she faithfully watched the gospel sermons on television every Sunday morning. At an early age, Joyce dedicated her life to Jesus Christ, and throughout her life, she continued to share the good news of what Jesus had done on the cross to others. Despite her residence in Georgia, Joyce remained a loyal member of the Greater Life Baptist Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Joyce lived in Boston for the majority of her life and worked as a certified nursing assistant at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital for much of her life. She dedicated her life to helping those in need. When she retired in 2001, she continued helping others – her family. She moved to Georgia to help her grandchildren raise their children. Family was a priority to her, and she wanted to be in her great grandchildren’s lives. Her family was thankful to have her near, partly due to the joy that naturally flowed from her smile and partly due to her ability to cook. Her sweet potato pie and meatloaf with tuna salad will remain legendary in the family. Joyce’s sweet, simple demeanor and joyful spirit will be deeply missed. In 2007, Joyce was diagnosed with breast cancer, but even that serious of a diagnosis couldn’t get Joyce to lose her joy or her trust in God. Through God’s healing power and through radiation treatments, Joyce became cancer-free. Her steadfastness through such a difficult storm in life inspired her family, and today, in grief, we follow her example, as we remain focused on God during this painful time. Joyce was the daughter of John D. McFarland and Beulah Clintella McFarland. Both of her parents preceded her in death, along with four of her brothers, Isaac, John Wilbert, Jeffrey and Jethro, and one of her sisters, Rhonda. She is now reunited with them in heaven. She is survived by her two children: Karen F. Toledo and Jonathan McFarland; six grandchildren: Ruben L. Toledo, Pablo C. Toledo, Joseph L. Toledo, Annetta L. Hunter, David McFarland, and Jessica McFarland; four brothers: Terry W. McFarland, William McFarland, Reverend Kenneth A. McFarland, and Forrest L. McFarland; four sisters: Mary E. Howard, Jerlena E. McFarland, Myra Stevens, and Kathy Chatfield; eleven great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; several nieces and nephews; additional extended family members; and friends.There will be two services in Joyce’s honor – a visitation service and a funeral service. The Visitation Service will be held on Friday, November 27, 2015 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Both services will take place at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home located at 914 Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Burial to follow at Hillandale Memorial Park in Lithonia, Georgia. We continue to possess hope during this difficult time, as we know, from Joyce’s favorite song, “Amazing Grace,” that even though she is no longer with us on earth, she is living a joyous, peaceful life in heaven with her Savior. “Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.” Special thanks to family and friends who have supported and prayed for us during this time of grief.

Tributes

Joyce McFarland

November 19, 2015