Arlene West McFarland

Arlene (West) McFarland, 77, born November 16, 1948 in Chattanooga, TN to Don and Florence West, died from leukemia at her home in Ringgold, GA on February 26, 2026.

Arlene grew up in Collegedale, Tennessee, where she developed a lifelong love of learning, music, and community. She graduated in 1966 from Georgia Cumberland Academy and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Missionary College in 1970, forming lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.

She began her career in nursing, serving patients with compassion and dedication before answering a broader calling to education and counseling. Arlene became a professor of nursing and later earned her PhD in 1996, reflecting her commitment to both knowledge and service. Over the years, she touched countless lives as a gifted counselor, spiritual guide, and trusted source of encouragement.

Her impact did not go unnoticed. In 1999, she received the “Community Life Award” from the Association of Adventist Women in recognition of her role as an ambassador of hope to those navigating life’s most difficult moments. During her 25 years of practicing marriage and family therapy, she was honored multiple times as Counselor of the Year by Dekalb County, Alabama—a testament to her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to helping others heal and grow.

Arlene was a woman of curiosity, warmth, and creativity, whose life was enriched by her deep love of music. Whether she was seated at the piano, filling a room with melody, or simply listening with quiet appreciation, music was one of her greatest joys. She found beauty not only in sound, but in all forms of art—always eager to explore, learn, and be inspired.

Arlene had a gift for connection. She cherished time spent with friends, sharing laughter, stories, and meaningful moments that left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her openness to new experiences extended into every part of her life, especially in the kitchen, where she delighted in cooking dishes inspired by flavors from around the world. For her, food was another way to explore culture and bring people together.

She also found happiness on the golf course, where she embraced both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie it brought. Time spent with family and friends was among her greatest treasures—she had a gift for connection, laughter, and making others feel truly seen.

After retiring in 2017, Arlene returned to the Collegedale area, where she continued her life of service. She provided therapy, taught parenting classes, and shared her musical gifts by playing the piano at Collegedale Community Church, enriching the lives of those who knew her.

Arlene will be remembered for her generous spirit and her ability to bring comfort, inspiration, and connection to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the wisdom she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her husband, Tom McFarland, MD; two children, David (Valorie) Futcher and Christy (Mark) Robinson; step-children, Troy (Shannon) McFarland, Terri (Kevin) Martin, Traci (Jon) Josephsen; grandchildren, Andruw and Greg Futcher, Noah and Sienna McFarland, Lauren and Jordan Martin, and Joshua Josephsen; siblings Don (Tina) West, Jr. and Shirley (Dick) Wodzenski; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends.

A memorial service will take place at Collegedale Community Church on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 11:00 am. The service will be streamed live on the Collegedale Community Church’s YouTube website: https://www.youtube.com/@collegedalecommunitychurch1655/streams.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Arlene can be made to the Peck Endowment. Checks made out to GCA- Peck Endowment can be sent to: GCA, 397 Academy Drive SW, Calhoun, GA 30701 or give online at www.gcasda.org/support. Select Memorial Fund as the Giving Option and write “Arlene McFarland” in the comment box.