Kathryn G. McFarland, 91, of Bryan, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2011, at the College Station Medial Center. Arrangements are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory in Bryan. While no services have been planned at this time, memorial donations may be sent to The Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services at www.pchas.org, or the Brazos Church Pantry.
Mom was born July 7, 1919, to Harry C. and Mattie B. Garnett Gritton, in Madison, Missouri. At age nine her mother passed away and she was raised by her beloved grandma, “Susie.” After high school mom attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, Ill. During this time she met and married Edwin F. McFarland on April, 19, 1941 in Paris, Mo. They shared a special marriage and friendship of 65 years until his death in 2006.
Mom held secretarial positions in Kansas City, Mo., and Memphis, Tenn., during dad’s service in WWII. After the war mom held an executive secretary position at TAMU in support of dad while he earned his Masters. After graduation with dad’s employment by Texas Planting Seed Association she worked as a secretary for KRGV-TV in the Rio Grande Valley.
When children came on board she converted to the role of fulltime mom. When kids reached high school age mom returned to work as a legal secretary, helping Neely Lewis start his law practice that would later become Lewis and Bryan Attorneys at Law. When dad retired in 1981, she did also. Mom enjoyed her activities in First Presbyterian Church, and volunteering as “Pink Lady” with St. Joseph Hospital, The Church Pantry, Meals on Wheels and other organizations.
Devoted wife, mother, and friend, mom’s infectious laugh, sense of humor, and devotion to friends, and family, will be missed by all who knew her.
What do you say about or to your best friend, teacher, advocate, and advisor, but to give thanks and a huge Thank You. Thanks for the experiences shared under your all encompassing umbrella for my entire life. What a time we had. I’m especially thankful and blessed for the last 6 years we had together – what a run. God Bless and Thank You, Mom.
Mom was so blessed to have special people in her life in her final years. Special thanks to longtime friend Carol Lewis; Bill and Cecilia LaBarge; Dr. Kelly Grillo; Miranda and Rhianna of Scott & White; Kelley, Johnnie, Wendy, Dava and the staff at Southern Care Hospice; Charity and Edna of Texas Home Health; Drs. Rohini and Kuppvsomy Ragupathi and Becky.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Harry, Harold, and Howard Gritton.
Kay is survived by her sons, Michael Mark McFarland, Kevin K. McFarland and wife Brenda; grandchildren, Krystelle and Kat, as well as numerous great grandchildren.
Mike,
Our heart felt condolences to your loss.
She was a brave and a very very beautiful woman.
I enjoyed my visits with her when I was still in High School which continued to when I would visit from out of state. I found that she had a special way of pulling thing out of me. She would listen and find things very interesting. She had her special little laugh and way of making me feel that I had really been listened to.
All our Love,
Roger K. Tomkins and Family
Though I have only known you for a few months I know the love and support you have given your mother. I wish I had the right words to say to make the pain go away. I do know that I enjoyed having the privilege of helping you take care of your mother and I know by the type of loving warm person you are that you learned this from your parents. I loved hearing about the stories of your mother and enjoyed looking at the pictures. She is a very special person and I know that she will be missed by all those whose lives she has touched. I know you don’t want people to worry about you but you have gained a friend that will always care about you. God Bless. Kellye
Mike,
I am greatly sorry for your loss. Ms. Kathryn was definitely a fighter. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy”
Kay, what a class act—an amazing lady to the end—accepting the indignities of illness with such grace. We are deeply impressed with the loving and ‘informed’ care you received from Mike; what a gift to an amazing mother! We can only imagine the countless acts that motivated such a dedicated mission on Mike’s part—both of you true ‘givers.’
We are so glad that a memory of the best cookie ever tasted led the Lewis’s to the McFarland’s phone, then inbox, then to your door. Thank you for the many kindnesses and we so hope you will stay in touch!
What a “Special lady” Aunt Kay was! There are many special and fun memories with her. We always enjoyed all the McFarland “get togethers” and spending time with everyone. She is at peace now and pain free; and in the company of the others that have gone before her. We thank you Mike for the care you have given her. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Larry
Mike:
I just wanted to let you that my heart is with you. I’m sure she appreciated your continual support and love.
Ted Tomkins
Mike,
Sharon and I are really sorry to learn about your mom.
Dear Mike,
Just a note to express my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mother. I am happy I was able to take care of her and pleased to see such a devoted son.
Katy Moran MD
Mike,
So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God bless. May the momories keep you going…
Jewel
Mike,
Be assured that I am thinking about you during these days. I certainly understand what you are going through, as I have been down that same road. I have many fun memories of time spent with Aunt Kay and Uncle Eddie. Was always fun when the McFarland families got together. Aunt Kay is no longer in any pain and has joined all that have gone before her. What a good time they must be having. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Ann
Mike, There aren’t words to tell you how much Aunt Kay meant to our family. Her laughter, that twinkle in her eye, that look she would get when you knew she was getting ready to say something humorous. All these membories we will truly always cherish. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope you can find some time to come north for a visit.
Love and prayers,
Harry and Candee
Dear Mike,
So terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
Carol
Hey there Mike!
I saw your mom’s obit and I am very sorry for your loss. It must be tough for you. I also wanted to tell you thanks soooo much for your kind words. It really means a lot to me. Well hope things get better for you and God bless!
Mike,
We’re holding you close in thought and praying that memories will bring you peace and comfort.
Bill, Dede and Jamie
MIKE,
I AM REALY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.
-Andy
MIKE,
We geive with you at the passing of your mom. I am praying for you… I know this has been a long haul.
– Gary
Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
– Kendra
I wish I had the right words. I know she will be missed.
– Kellye
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
– Dava
Sorry for your loss.
– Wendy
Mike.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of a great lady. Our prayers are with you,as your MOM stands at the Gates of Heaven to be recevied by Our Lord.
God Bless you.
Mike
MY thoughts are with you the care you gave to your mom was special. I know Howard was glad to see her when she arived at Heaven. They both stayed with us as long as they could yet wanted to go “HOME” too. God bless you for all you did and be with you as you learn the quietness of 24-7. With deepest sympathy and understanding of your loss.
Norma
Mike,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Connie & Bill
Mike,
Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, caring and wisdom live on-like a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you now and bring you peace.
Aunt Esther
Mike,
Our condolences and prayers are with you ,as your MOM stands at the entrance at the Pearly-gates to be recevied by Our Lord.
Mike,
What a nice tribute to your mother. May caring thoughts bring you strength in this time of sadness.
With Sympathy – The Byfords
Mike,
I want you to know you are being thought of with love.
Ruby James