Pearlina Ruby McFarland

Pearlina Ruby McFarland (nee Gordon) was born on April 2, 1928 in Montego Bay, Jamaica to Daniel and Urcella Gordon. She lived in Jamaica until the age of twenty eight . Pearlina met her husband Herschel by becoming pen pals and their love grew. Herschel flew to Montego Bay, Jamaica to marry her on January 16, 1957. With courage she immigrated to the United States knowing only her husband. And they resided in Joliet since 1957. She enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables and became a master gardener. You could find her out in the yard planting all over the place. Mom would get upset with her son or anyone else who would cut some of her flowers thinking they were weeds! She also made her own flowing pond in which she had goldfish. It was fun to watch her chase away birds who came to have a delicious goldfish meal. She worked for a time at Sears and Oberwortmann Greenhouse. In addition, she helped her husband in the upholstery business sewing cushions and pillows. Pearlina was a great seamstress, sewing for herself and her children. She also volunteered at her church, Sacred Heart, including their soup kitchen. Pearlina’s children appreciated her cooking and baking skills. She made many dishes from scratch, including homemade biscuits, rolls, pies, cakes and Jamaican dishes. Her children remember her making the best homemade red velvet cake. Even after one of her daughter’s moved out of state, she would send her via mail her favorite cherry pie. She exposed her girls to many opportunities that she may not have had growing up. Whether they mastered them or not, the girls learned to crochet, knit, macramé, sew, ballet, and tap dance. They had the opportunity to learn musical instruments such as the flute, guitar, and piano. As often as they could as a family, they traveled back to her native island of Jamaica so the children could get to know their Jamaican family and heritage. At age 85 Pearlina Ruby McFarland passed away peacefully at her home on January 6, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of fourty five years Herschel “Bud” McFarland. Also preceding her in death are her parents, three brothers, Vivian, Cleveland, and Vincent, and one sister, Gwendolyn. Pearlina is survived by her three children, Michael (Michele) Richards, Sr., Gloria(Richard) Payne, Janet (Charles) Willison; six grandchildren, Tiffany (Ron) Lewis, Michael Richards, Jr., Jeremy Payne, Justin Payne, Jordan Richards, Lana Willison; four great-grandchildren, Ron Lewis II, Ronni Lewis, Roman Lewis, Bailey Richards, one sister, Dorothy Johnson, and a host of family and friends.

Pearlina Ruby McFarland

April 2, 1928 - January 6, 2014