Dolly Jean (Perrine) McFarland, 90, of Charleston, Illinois passed away at home in the comforting presence of her family on Thursday, November 28, 2019. 

Dolly was born October 24, 1929 in Downers Grove, Illinois the daughter of Howard and Ruby (Rogers) Perrine.  She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 72 years H. Gene McFarland, her daughter, Jeanna K. McFarland, son, Lynn McFarland and wife Paula, granddaughter Kelsey Danae McFarland and husband Nick Dudley, granddaughter Caitlin Brianne McFarland, sister Linda Kae Lattuada Williams of Herrin, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Samuel.

Dolly grew up in Johnston City, Illinois and graduated from Johnston City High School.  She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and from Eastern Illinois University a Specialist Degree in Guidance and Counseling and an Administrative Certificate.  She attended post graduate courses at Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, and Indiana University. 

Dolly was a dedicated teacher.  She taught at Johnston City High School, Sesser High School, East Richland High School (Olney, IL), and Charleston High School.  She taught several years at Eastern Illinois University in the Physical Education and Student Teaching Departments.  Dolly was also employed part time for the Eastern Illinois Education for Employment Systems.

Dolly was extremely active in her chosen profession.  She was a lifetime member of many organizations: The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Southern Illinois University Alumni Association; Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association; National Education Association and Phi Delta Kappa.  She held many positions with the Illinois State Association: Treasurer, Vice-President for Secondary Programs, Budget and Finance Chairperson, and Convention Program Co-chair Person.  She received a Service Award for her hard work.  Also active in the Southeastern Division of the Illinois Association, she served as President, held other offices and served on numerous committees.

Dolly was very active in her community.  She was a faithful and devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston and thoroughly enjoyed and felt honored to serve 15 years as a board member of the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation.  She volunteered at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and the Neal Welcome Center.  She was also a member of the Charleston Drama Club and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Her home was full of antiques from her and her husband’s family.  She enjoyed attending flea markets and auctions, often refurbishing the antique furniture before placing them in her home.

Family and hobbies were an important part of Dolly’s life.  Dolly was devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren.  Traveling was a love of hers.  She and Gene enjoyed their travels to many countries around the world.  She was especially fond of the times when the entire family traveled together.  Dancing was a love of Dolly’s and she made it a goal to dance in every country she visited.  She was also dedicated to a lifetime of fitness and made it a part of her life.

Dolly was an excellent teacher and particularly enjoyed teaching folk dance and ballroom dance.  She loved teaching and never regretted her decision to become a teacher.  Dolly was well respected by her colleagues as well as her students.  One of her former students made the comment to her that she was the only teacher in the building that always had a smile.  Dolly was loved by her family and many friends.  Her life had a positive impact on many, and she will be missed by her family and friends.   

Graveside Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City, Illinois with Reverend Tom Corum officiating.  In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations in her honor be made to the EIU Foundation-Dolly J. and H. Gene McFarland Scholarship or to Wesley United Methodist Church.  Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Adams Funeral Chapel, Charleston, IL – Monday, December 2, 2019