Obituary of JoEllen McFarland

JoEllen McFarland, daughter of Rose McFarland, Granddaughter of Charles and Eula Mae McFarland, was born on March 25, 1959 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On December 25, 2020, JoEllen closed her eyes as she reached out to take the Hand of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as He guided her to her Heavenly Home. Even though Peanut, as she was affectionately called, was Rose’s only child during the first five years of her life she Lived with her maternal grandparents and was raised with her sister-aunts Jacqueline, Celesta “Pat”, Adrienne and Catherine. After that, JoEllen and her mother moved out to start their lives as a single mother and daughter duo. It was during this time that they formed a bond that will last for the next 51 years, until Rosie’s death. Their lives together was filled with many trials and tribulations. But their love, a mother and daughter's love remained steadfast. As many of you know, JoEllen’s battle was a long one starting when she was a young girl. Long before the cancer ravaged her body. But she was a tough cookie who prided herself that she was just like her grandmother, Eula Mae. JoEllen had an inner strength that the light has small frame. But the softer side of JoEllen, especially as she got older, could be seen in her love of family. Not just her immediate family but all of her aunties uncles and cousins. She loved being a McFarland. JoEllen had two other loves, her children her grands, her nieces and nephews and her love for cooking. All she needed was a reason to cook, for example: birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving and cookouts in which she would throw together at a moments notice. JoEllen attended Our Lady of Victory and Saint Carthage Elementary Schools and graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School. During her adult life, JoEllen worked at many different job positions but she was dedicated to housekeeping, at hotels, restaurants and especially nursing homes. These jobs fit into another special love of hers and that was TALKING. People simply loved talking to her. She would listen and converse literally for hours. JoEllen worked every day. She literally hated missing a day at work. She worked until her health would no longer allow her to work, no matter how tired or sick she was. JoEllen leaves to cherish her memory: one son, James Cooper, and two daughters; Michelle J Jackson and Marcedes Myisha McFarland, two sister-aunts; Celesta “Pat” Cordy; Eleven grandchildren: Amir, Jarrell, Jayla, Jada, Jalil, Victoria, Saniya, Isaiah, AYana, Jerome, and Rose; many nieces and nephews with whom she was very close. A special life long friend Theresa Worthington and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.