Ella M. McFarland

Ella M. McFarland, 78 of Chester, Pa. went to be with the Lord Friday April 7, 2017.

Ella was born July 27, 1938 in Laneview, Virginia to the late Estelle Gaines and Charles Brown. Ella moved to the Philadelphia suburbs on the Mainline where she attended Tredyffrin Middle school and Lower Merion High School. Ella Mae married the late Alfred McFarland Jr., immediately after high school. After the birth of her youngest child, Ella Mae Gaines McFarland decided to go back to school and in her pursuits attained her Associates Degree in Education from Delaware County Community College, Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Widener University. Ella enjoyed her life as an educator teaching the young and old. Ella retired from Chester-Upland School District after 27 years but continued her work as a G.E.D. Instructor with Girls, Inc. in Wilmington, De.

Ella enjoyed being involved in many social and community organizations and loved to dance and listen to “golden oldies.” Ella also enjoyed family gatherings and visiting her birth home in Laneview, Va.

In addition to her parents, Ella is predeceased by her oldest son, Alfred McFarland III and her dear aunt Lula Ann Reed who helped raise her.

Ella is survived by her children Barrett McFarland, Jeffrey McFarland {Maria Luz}, Kyra McFarland, Nat Turner, Estelle Chase {David} Carter McFarland, Robin McFarland, a host of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday April 21, 2017 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Bethany Baptist Church 1121 Tilghman St. Chester, Pa. A home going service will immediately follow at 11:00 am.

Interment: Chester Rural Cemetery – Chester, Pa.

Arrangements: Earl L. Foster Funeral Home