Tyke McFarland's Obituary
A Memorial Service in celebration of the life of Tyke McFarland, 77, a mother, grandmother, and former model, dancer, and volunteer, will be held at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 27, 2009 with the Rev. Ron Scates presiding. A graveside service for family members will be held earlier at Restland Memorial Park. Tyke died after a long illness on February 24 in Louisville, KY, where she had lived the last six months. Tyke was born in Dallas and lived here most of her life. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1949, attended Gulf Park College in Mississippi for a year and then enrolled at SMU. She graduated from SMU in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time at SMU, Tyke was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and was named Homecoming Queen in 1952. Tyke led an active life, and was a longtime member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon for several years. As an active member of the Junior League, she danced in that organization’s annual fundraising production and “The Follies” were a true source of joy for her. She was quite adept at tap, ballet, and modern dance, so much so that many of her best friends call her “Stepper” to this day. Tyke’s civic life was also a source of pride and joy for her. She volunteered for several years at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, and went on numerous mission trips to Africa on behalf of her church. She also directed an award-winning version of “The King and I” with an all-blind children’s cast on behalf of Dallas Services for Blind Children. Tyke spent over 25 years working with Texas Federal Savings and its successor organizations, and left many friends and customers there. She is survived by her two sons and their families: Hunter Farrell of Louisville, KY, and his wife, Ruth, and their children Ndaya, Will, and Andrew; and Todd Farrell, of Charlotte, NC, and his wife Susan and their children Todd, Marshall, and Libby. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kimball Farrell Gonzalez, her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson McFarland, and her sister, Sue Barnes. Tyke’s life was filled with volunteer work and family. She was more spiritual than religious. She showed kindness to strangers and had the ability to make significant friendships in all of the chapters of her life. Her later years were difficult due to the effects of her advancing lung disease, but we celebrate the fact that she is now breathing freely with her Savior in heaven. The family thanks her many friends for their prayers and support throughout the years. We especially are thankful for Galen Lambert, who was a gift from God to the two sons, and a selfless and loving friend during the last years of Tyke’s life. Expressions of sympathy may be made through support of Presbyterian World Mission’s work in Africa. Please note account E864100 on your gift and send to PC (USA), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
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