Marijo Churchwell McFarland's Obituary
Marijo Churchwell McFarland went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the age of 94. Marijo was born on April 17, 1921 in Kemp, Texas, the daughter of parents Hilary Herbert Churchwell and Annie Clemmie Spence. Marijo grew up in Kemp, Texas along with her 4 sisters and 1 brother. She graduated as valedictorian from Kemp High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. After graduation she moved to Dallas to go to business school. There she met Archie McFarland, the love of her life, on a blind date. They were married on February 22, 1941 until his death in 1992. In the early part of their marriage they lived in East Dallas where they were very active at Tremont Baptist Church working with the youth. They moved to Richardson in 1955 and joined First Baptist Church. In 1956 they were instrumental in helping establish Richardson Heights Baptist Church as charter members. Archie was the first Chairman of Deacons and Marijo was the first Sunday School Superintendent. She remained very active in the children’s department and taught Sunday School for many years. She was a tremendous influence on many young lives during her years of ministry. In her later years she served as a faithful Greeter every Sunday and was a member of the Friendship Class. Marijo also enjoyed her time of ministry and service as a member of the Singing Saints. Marijo was a licensed beautician and worked for more than 50 years at the Vogue Beauty Salon in Richardson, Texas. She was a dedicated worker who did her very best to make every one of her customers and co-workers feel special. In 2006 she was the first resident to move into the newly built Highland Springs Retirement Community. She made many new friends there and enjoyed organizing games and other activities. She was a great ambassador for Highland Springs and worked hard to make all of the new residents feel welcomed. In January 2015 she moved to Appletree Court Assisted Living. Many thanks to all the wonderful staff there who provided such a great living environment for her. Thank you also to New Century Hospice who took excellent care of her and made her comfortable during her last days. Marijo will be remembered for her outstanding service to her church, her devotion to her family and friends, her sweet spirit and her love and service for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is survived by her daughter JoAnne McFarland, her son Gary Alan McFarland and his wife, Tricia, her daughter Judith Lynn Coolidge and her husband, Wade; her grandsons Scott McFarland and his wife Lara, Matthew Cornelius and his wife Kayla, and her granddaughter Kim Coolidge; and her three great-granddaughters, Kathryn, Grace and Abigail Cornelius. Marijo will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at The Heights Baptist Church, 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson, Texas 75080 on Friday, October 30th at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to the Heights Baptist Church, 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson, TX 75080.
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