Mrs. Elsie Iris Neal McFarland, age 94, of Covington, died Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Springs Nursing Home, Hot Springs. She had been married to the love of her life, John G. McFarland, for forty-seven years before he preceded her in death on June 12, 1995.
Mrs. McFarland was born October 14, 1928 in Bath County, the daughter of the late Edward Jonathan Neal and Mary Baldwin Neal. During her working career, she had been employed as a manager by the former Montgomery Ward, the Drive-In Market and Cato’s Fashion Store. Elsie was a longtime member of Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church.
Mrs. McFarland is survived by two sons, Kenny McFarland and wife, Sharon and Mike McFarland; three grandchildren, Mary Beth Jerman and husband, Calvin, Jenna McFarland and Morgan McFarland; and five great-grandchildren, Colton Malone, Kaylee Malone, Gracyn Proffitt, Braylen McFarland and Cole Proffitt; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. McFarland was preceded in death by a son, Alan McFarland; a brother, Jay Neal; a sister, Delsie Michael; and a daughter-in-law, Nancy A. McFarland.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Springs Nursing Home for their care and friendship. They would also like to thank her dear friend, Helen Jean Fitzgerald, for her many visits and calls.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at Alleghany Memorial Park with Pastor Pianapue Early officiating.
Those wishing to attend the service should assemble Friday afternoon by 1:45 p.m. at Alleghany Memorial Park.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church, 425 W. Main Street, Covington, VA 24426 or the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington VA 24426.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mrs. McFarland’s tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
