Jean Dildy McFarland of Roswell died Monday, December 25, 2023 at the age of 88. Born in Alpharetta, GA she was the daughter of the late Joel L. and Lucille Dildy. She was a graduate of Milton High School (1953), Maryville College (B.S., 1957) and Georgia State University (M. Ed., 1979). She taught Kindergarten and First Grade in the Fulton County School system for 35 years until her retirement in 1998. Since 1960, Jean and her husband, Charles, were dedicated members of Roswell Presbyterian Church where she served as both a deacon and an elder. Jean served on many church committees, taught Sunday School classes, and, together with Charles, was a cherished youth group leader. She also served in various official capacities in the North Fulton Retired Educators Association.

Gifted with a kind, welcoming spirit, Jean was recently described as "both a steady rock and a soft place to land." When her sons were young, she helped organize and was a den-mother in Cub Scout Pack 845 of Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She loved her teaching career. Hers is a far-reaching impact in the lives of students in the Roswell and surrounding area. A lover of all things about gardening she enjoyed trips to Gibbs Garden and was active in the Green Thumb Garden Club. Like her beloved Charles, Jean never met a stranger and was open, hospitable, and loving to all.

Jean was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Charles E. McFarland and her brother James L. Dildy. She is survived by two sons: Bryan (Diane) McFarland of Greensboro, NC and Kent McFarland of Roswell; a cherished granddaughter: Meagan McFarland. She is also survived by an "adopted" family: Robb and Lanette (Henry) McClendon and their children, Michaela, Shelly, and Alex; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 9 from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, January 10 at 2:00 PM at Roswell Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mr. Ryan Jensen officiating. After a reception, a brief committal service will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make your memorial gift to The Huntington's Disease Society of America 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902 New York, NY 10018.