Dorothy Abernethy McFarland of Columbus died Nov. 9, 2009, in her home, with family members by her side.

Dot contended with cancer for more than two years, living each day with faith, courage and love.

She was born Dec. 28, 1923, in Hickory, N.C., to Charles and Sarah Abernethy. She graduated from Hickory High School in 1941 and received an associates degree in bookkeeping from Lenoir-Rhyne College. She was employed by Duke Power Co. and Hickory Construction Co. She was married to William Austin McFarland of Columbus on March 26, 1950, and ventured with him to the hills of Polk County. She devoted the next six decades to her family, church and community.

Dot was a member of Columbus Presbyterian Church, where she served as a childrens Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School volunteer, member of Presbyterian Women and adult choir member. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years. Other interests included sewing and gardening, taking special pleasure in flowers.

Dot was above all a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She and Bill set an example of Christian love and devotion to one another throughout their long and happy marriage. Two people truly lived as one until his death on Oct. 29, 2009.

Dot is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Hudson (and husband Ray) of Brevard, N.C., and Margaret Clark (and husband Doug) of High Point, N.C.; a son, William A. McFarland Jr. (and wife Kim) of Tryon; seven grandchildren, Anna Stewart (and husband Tim) of Statesville, N.C., Erika Potter (and husband Chris) of Thomasville, N.C., Andrew Clark of Washington, D.C., Kenneth Clark of Charlotte, N.C., Kate McFarland of Charlotte, N.C., Belle McFarland of Washington, D.C., and Brett McFarland of Tryon; and one great-grandson, Tobias Stewart of Statesville, N.C. Also surviving is her sister, Polly Causby of Shelby, N.C., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William A. McFarland Sr.; sisters Margaret Satterfield and Vivian Key, and brother Charles Abernethy.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Columbus Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 21 Peniel Road, Columbus, N.C. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Columbus Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722, or Columbus Presbyterian Church, 21 Peniel Road, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C.