Helen Louise McFarland

Helen McFarland, 92 passed away Sunday, June 24, 2018. She was born July 25, 1925 to Luther and Bernice McNabb in Isabella, Tennessee.She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years and the love of her life, Hoyt McFarland, CECS, (Ret) U.S. Navy. Her second husband, Bela O. Short (Ret) U.S. Navy also preceded her in death as well as sisters Katherine Coleman, Jimmie Long and Betty McGee.Helen is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and DeAnna McFarland of Hood River, OR and Larry and Deborah McFarland of Cleveland, TN. She is survived by four grandchildren who were the light of her life, Jessica (Nick) Firey, Milton, WA; Garett (Carly) McFarland, Mosier, OR, Suzanne (Brett) Arceneaux, Prairieville, LA, Grant (Cara) McFarland, Nashville, TN. She has five great-grandchildren who brought her a very special joy, Kellen and Cole McFarland, Olivia, Caroline and Elliott Arceneaux. She is also survived by her brother, Bill McNabb, Chattanooga, TN, four nieces, one nephew and her goddaughter, Elizabeth Vicary Beard, Harriman, TN.Helen was a woman of great faith and a follower of Jesus Christ. She will be remembered as a loving, generous and hospitable southern lady, always thinking of others before herself. She was known to be an excellent cook and there was always room for one more at her table. She was a life-long teacher, always willing to take time to teach what she knew - bookkeeping, cooking, crochet, sewing and even card games. She played basketball at Ducktown high school and was All State in 1943. She continued to be an avid sports fan, following closely the Atlanta Braves and UT Lady Vols. For several years, Helen taught water exercise classes at the YMCA and then at Garden Plaza well into her 90’s. She worked for many years in administrative positions, including working at the Pentagon in Washington DC. After retirement, she became a real estate agent/broker.She was an active member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Cleveland, and the Order of Eastern Star, Harmony Chapter 143.The Remembrance of Life Memorial Service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 5:00 P. M. at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 161 2nd Street, N. E. Cleveland, Tennessee 37311, with Pastor Jen Newell officiating. Graveside Services and Interment will be conducted on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10:00 A. M. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family request in lieu of flowers Memorials be made to the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at the church. The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the McFarland family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.Read Obituary