Mother Mildred McFarland

Mother Mildred Alleen McFarland, affectionately known as “Tommie,” was born October 7, 1939, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Edward and Willie Mae Wade (White). She was one of ten siblings and began her education (Oak Park H.S.) in Laurel before moving with her family to Chicago’s West Side, where she graduated from John Marshall High School in 1957.. After high school she met Gus Mcfarland, and courting ensued, Shortly afterwards Mother Mcfarland became a devoted mother to Carey Stanford McFarland (Dec 31, 1964 and Randall Lerone McFarland (Aug 17,1968), she raised her children in Maywood, Illinois, where her home became a haven of joy, creativity, and opportunity for her family and the neighborhood. From her haunted Halloween hallways (she ceased Halloween celebration after becoming born again.) to neighborhood movie nights and sports games, she was a loving matriarch and community nurturer. Mother McFarland’s natural calling as an educator flourished early. Her career began in pioneering daycare centers such as Proviso Day Care Center and Second Baptist’s Maple Tree Daycare where she served as Interim & Director and teacher. Her leadership, vision, and deep empathy laid the groundwork for her most defining professional milestone: the founding of Eyecare Daycare in the mid 90’s, a faith-based, inclusive home daycare that operated for over 28 years. Grounded in her Christian beliefs, Eyecare welcomed all children, including those with special needs, and became a cornerstone of care and love in the community. Her tireless work in childcare earned her over 50 early childhood education certifications. She was a founding board member and long-serving chaplain and treasurer of the United Child Care Association, where she championed the success of home daycare providers across Illinois. Due to her enormous impact in the early childcare industry Mother Mcfarland was inducted into the Women’s Business Development Center Childcare Hall of Fame in 2006. Mother Mcfarland received the Willie Mae White Award and induction into the family Hall of Fame in 2011. Spiritually transformed after becoming a born-again Christian in the 1980s, Mother McFarland became a devoted member of Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer in Broadview, where she led noon prayer sessions and was active in the Prison Ministry. Her faith deepened through her loyalty and love on the Miracle Among Us 5am Prayer Line, where for over a decade, she was a faithful intercessor, a spiritual mother, and a “five-star general” in spiritual warfare. T he prayer line members became her family, and she expressed the love of a mother to them all. She loved acknowledging their birthdays and was known for her birthday cards to everyone. She also stayed connected to her Mississippi roots through Bible studies (Rev Larry “Jabo” Mcgilberry) with family and enjoyed meaningful fellowship and support from her extended network of adopted sons, nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins. Her joy for sports, especially women’s athletics, brought her delight, and she remained a spirited supporter of local school teams and Olympic events. Mother Mcfarland supported all local student activities at schools and received commendations for her support. Mother McFarland was preceded in death by her eldest son Carey, her parents, Edward and Willie Mae; her sisters and brothers William “Tack,” Booker T., Edward Jr., Charles, Johnny L., Laura Kaye, and Bobbie Jean Coleman. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving son Randall Lerone McFarland; siblings Roland Wade, Constance Riales, and Michael Green Sr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her beloved prayer line family. She also left to cherish her last loving and respected Uncle Henry “Smoky” Thompson (Aunt Cora). She also departs with the love of her longtime adopted sons and countless children whose lives she touched through her work and ministry. Her life was a masterclass in faith, service, and love. Through every child she taught, every prayer she lifted, and every life she touched—Mother McFarland’s light endures.

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