Mr. Johnny D. McFarland

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. - Psalms 116:15 A Time to be Born John was born June 13, 1951 in Conehatta, MS. He was the seventh of nine children born to the union of the late Joseph and Annie Mae Kidd McFarland. A Time to Live He attended school in the Newton County School System and graduated in 1970. John was an outstanding basketball player and truly loved the game. He acquired his education through a basketball scholarship, graduating from East Central Community College and continuing on to receive his Bachelor's degree from Livingston University in Alabama. A Time to Serve and Work John started his career with the Department of Human Services (DHS) as an eligibility worker. He worked for a brief period of time in Brookhaven, MS and later moved to Pearl, MS. Throughout his career he fulfilled various positions, retiring as a Systems Manager in April, 2013 after 36 years of loyal and dedicated service. He met his soul mate,"found his good thing", the love of his life and best friend, Carrie, while working at the Fayette DHS office on temporary assignment. God joined them together and abundantly blessed their lives together, including the blessing of rearing their two sons, Vernon & Joseph, in the fear and admonition of the Lord. John accepted Christ in January, 1991 and was baptized at Pleasant Grove. He was a faithful member, supporting the ministry until his health failed. He served the ministry in various leadership roles, including Church Secretary, Financial Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Church Board Chairman and Trustee Board Chairman. He didn't need a title to do whatever needed to be done to help carry out the kingdom mission. He loved the Lord first with all his heart, soul and mind, he studied and endeavored to live the Christian life by precepts and examples that he could lead others to Christ. The light of Christ shown in his life as he exemplified the true spirit of servanthood in his church and community, lending a helping hand as needed. John loved and enjoyed being with his family. A favorite pastime was fellowshipping at home during Sunday dinners, as well as birthdays, basketball and football games..Roll Tide! He was a godly man, full of wisdom, exemplifying integrity in its purest humanly form. He was a man of peace. He had a gentle spirit and the patience of Job. His children are blessed because of his righteous living. John made a positive impact and touched so many lives. He also enjoyed walking, hunting, gardening and working on the farm with the cows. In his earlier years, he enjoyed running and cycling, competing in long distance races and bialthlons. A Time to Transition John departed this earthly life and went to glory with his heavenly Father on February 2, 2023 with his wife by his side and his sons close by. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alphonso and Gus McFarland; and sister Shirley McFarland Smith. A Time to Grieve and Cherish Not grieving as those who have no hope, he leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife Carrie of Pearl, Mississippi; two sons, Vernon (Wani) McFarland, Brandon, Mississippi and Joseph McFarland of Pearl, Mississippi, three grandsons, Ian Daniel, Vernon Joseph and Colin Asher McFarland; one granddaughter, his little princess Lauryn Rei McFarland; Two sisters: Lola (Leo) Hushes, Conehatta, Mississippi, Carol (Randy) White, Slidell, Louisiana; Three brother: Tommy McFarland, Conchatta, Mississippi, Major McFarland, Chicago, Illinois and Larry (Melanie) McFarland, Dallas, Texas; One brother in love: Jerry Porter; Sisters-in-law: Helen Blanton, Kansas City, Missouri, Addie Briggs, Pearl, Mississippi; Pearlye Crawford, Chicago, Illinois and Catherine Daniels, Saginaw, Michigan. Sisters in love: Gloria Armstrong, Shirley Davis, Teletha Johnson, Faye McCall, and Geraldine Montgomery. One God-daughter: Jasmine McIntyre of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as a plethora of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. We are confident I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Mr. Johnny D. McFarland

June 13, 1951 - February 2, 2023