Our dear mother, Josephine Vines McFarland, left her earthly presence on 11 January 2025, surrounded by loving family, at the glorious age of 97, after several years of failing health. Even though she was oftentimes in great pain, and discomfort, she was a trooper, and never, ever complained. Mom arrived easily, and calmly, into the world on 17 December 1927, (the 6th of 14 children), to James and Addie Owens Vines, in Scotland Neck, Halifax County, NC.
When she left Scotland Neck, she moved to Norfolk, Va where she met and married our dad, Robert Lee McFarland. Throughout her years she has carried herself in that same calm spirit with which she was born, and in a serene, ladylike manner. Always softspoken, without pretense, understated, and nonjudgemental. In our younger years she was the neighborhood “go to mother” for the friends of her children. They felt her to be a great listener, discreet, never taking sides. She would always listen quietly, and not offer her opinions, or advice, just listening. Kids would say, “I like talking to Miss Josephine”. She was that way then, and remained so to the end, being a listening ear, keeping the confidences of her children and especially her grandchildren who went to her to vent about their parents. When she became a widow, we were very young, and she became a single mother to 5 rambunctious boys, and 3 precocious girls. She had more than a handful of responsibility but has always said she was most proud of having raised her kids to adulthood to stand on their own. Once we started having kids, she willingly and lovingly became our babysitter. After the grandkids grew up beyond needing a babysittter, mom said “no more babysitting”, and she was “off to the races” so to speak. She became very active with the Seniors Center, participating in all their events and activities such as crafts, day trips, celebrations, senior Olympics, and she was featured in several of their senior brochures. She volunteered so much, they finally hired her for some of her work. She loved to travel and was blessed to go to such places as Hawaii, Colorado, Chicago, New York City (sightseeing, Broadway plays, radio city music hall), Florida, and others. She was also blessed to go on a Carnival cruise, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She loved to eat out and attend the theater and was treated often by her children and grandchildren. Needless to say, our kids’ grandmother was “spoiled” lovingly.
First Calvary Baptist Church, Norfolk, became her home church where she was a long time, active member, attending regular early morning service until her health, and mobility began to fail.
Mother was predeceased by her parents; 4 sons, Joseph Lee, Robert Earl, Nathaniel, and Rufus; 6 brothers, Clover Phillips, James Vines Jr, Clarence, Howard, Cleveland and Charles Vines; 6 sisters, Addie Horton, Ella Gibson, Bessie Arrington, Lillian Lennix, Inez Vines, and Marjorie Peterson; 3 grandsons, Nathaniel Hayes Jr., Andrew Johnson, and Terrence Brown.
Memories of her will forever be treasured by her 3 daughters, Barbara Hayes, Portsmouth Va, Lillie Brinkley (Quentin), Chesapeake Va and Delphine Freeman, Norfolk Va; son Moses McFarland (Loretta), Hagerstown, Md.; her sister Claudette Vines, Philadelphia, Pa.; sisters-in-law Bertha Vines, Scotland Neck, NC, and Janet Vines, Port Royal, SC; 1 daughter -in-law, Phyllis McFarland, Norfolk, Va; also cousins, numerous grandchildren, great, and great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and family friends.
Condolences(9)-
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Grezella Dual Lewis says
January 16, 2025 at 3:05 amI am praying for comfort and peace for the family and friends during this difficult time, in Jesus name.
Esther Wim Bradshaw says
January 17, 2025 at 8:33 amcomfort and peace to the family prayers are with you,Esther Wrim Bradshaw
Lula Thornton says
January 17, 2025 at 4:52 pmI extend sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Josephine McFarland. May God give you comfort and peace during this time of great sorrow.
Moses Holley says
January 17, 2025 at 6:41 pmMy condolences to the McFarland family. My brothers and I were home when we entered their house. God bless you all at the time of your loss.❤️🙏🏽
LaKeia Reddick says
January 20, 2025 at 11:00 amMy condolences go out to the family. May God continue to comfort you all and may the memories y’all shared be everlasting.- LaKeia Reddick
Kiana Bottoms says
January 20, 2025 at 12:45 pmMay your beautiful calm spirit continue to shine bright in heaven.
Love your Great granddaughter Kiana – Tim’s daughter
Tara Carter Overton says
January 20, 2025 at 1:14 pmPrayers for comfort and strength to the Vines and McFarland family. I am sadden to hear of the loss of my Dear God Mother’s, Deborah Biggs Solomon, last auntie and Ms. Delphine’s dear mother. I had the pleasure of visiting the family with Ms. Solomon from time to time. Ms. Josephine was very kind and pleasant. I just lost my father in October 2024 and I know that loss and grief isn’t easy. Sending sympathy and condolences from, Tara Carter Overton and the Carter Family of Edenton, NC.
Carol Riddick says
January 21, 2025 at 12:12 amBarbara and family, I was so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I found out too late to attend, but wanted you to know I am thinking about you. Prayers and condolences to you all.
NaTasha and LaKeisha McFarland says
January 21, 2025 at 6:02 pmTo our dearest grandmother… you were a guiding force in our lives… a gentle reminder of how to stand strong and stay classy and to NEVER slam the screen door… you will be missed but you will live on thru each of us… 💗 🕊