Lottie Wood McFarlin

McFARLIN – Lottie Wood McFarlin of Crabapple, GA, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the age of 89. Born on March 31, 1920 to store keepers and farmers, Twiggs and Venie Wood, she experienced the Great Depression, plowing behind her mule named Kate. Lottie learned early the values of hard work, determination, and endurance that served her well throughout the rest of her life. It was here that Lottie gained her appreciation for God’s earth and its bounty. As a young woman, Lottie went to work for the Georgia Dept. of Revenue where she met her husband, the late George W. McFarlin of Franklin County. They were married in 1941, and George was soon called to the ministry. After pastoring and working at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville in the early 1950’s, the McFarlins settled in Crabapple in 1953. George then joined the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture and became pastor of Crabapple Baptist Church. Alongside the community, George and Lottie farmed cotton on their land to raise money for the church. Lottie went on to complete a 20-year career with Fulton County Schools, retiring in 1985. While home, she enjoyed working in her beautiful yard and serving her famous Sunday dinners made of vegetables from her garden, along with homemade cakes and pies. Lottie is survived by her children and their spouses: Richard and Judy McFarlin Fritz, Rolly and Linda McFarlin, Jim and Charlotte McFarlin Connah, and Tim and Kay McFarlin. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Chet and Shannon McFarlin Sherwood, Josh and Erin Fritz Lawson, Chris and Lauren Fritz Gratian, Cameron Connah, Beth Connah, Courtney McFarlin, Will McFarlin, Ben McFarlin and Josh McFarlin; great grandchildren, Sophie Sherwood and Collier and Evelyn Lawson, all who knew her as “Nanny”. She was predeceased by her first son, Bo, age 2, in 1949 and by her husband, Reverend George McFarlin in 1976. Lottie’s legacy is one of steadfast Christian faith, strength of character, hard work, belief in education, and a strong sense of family. Lottie lived her life by quiet example and demonstrated her faith through the support of her church, home and foreign missions, the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, and through the establishment of a scholarship for women in ministry. We remember Mother with great love and admiration. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the George and Lottie McFarlin Scholarship for Women in Ministry, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, c/o Dr. Ron Wilson, Advancement Office, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Visitation will be at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Crabapple on Monday, January 11th from 6 to 9 PM. Funeral services will be held at Roswell First Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 12th followed by interment at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, Roswell/Alpharetta, 770/645-1414.

Lottie Wood McFarlin

March 31, 1920 - January 9, 2010