Kathleen Scarborough Smith McFarlin

Mrs. Kathleen Smith McFarlin, 90, of Ruckersville Road, Elberton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Magnolia Estates.

Affectionately known as “Tea” to her family, she was born in Elberton on December 29, 1934, daughter of the late Milford Filmore “Lily” Scarborough, Sr. and Leila Mae Barnes Scarborough. She dedicated 42 years of her life as a skilled hairdresser in Elberton, loving every day of her career and serving many generations of clients. She was a member Doves Creek Baptist Church and a former member of Northside Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, Stan (Judy) Smith of Carrollton; daughter, Ellen Gunn of Elberton; step-son, Mike (June) McFarlin of Westminster, SC; step-daughter, Kay Neal of Elberton; grandchildren: Eric Gunn and Keri Smith (TC) Ray; step-grandchildren: Brooke (Kevin) Craft, Blake (Sydney) Neal, and Rose (Tyler) Stovall; sister, Jenelle Thompson of Clayton; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Maurice Thornton Smith; husband of 15 years, Charlie Sturdy McFarlin; grandson, Micah Gunn; and siblings: Pearl Scarborough, Thurman Benny “Bose” Scarborough, Marvin Thomas “Tody” Scarborough, James Clark Scarborough, Milford Filmore “Pick” Scarborough, Jr., Horace Lindsey Scarborough, Mary Christine “Crick” Scarborough Johnson, and William Lawrence “Dit” Scarborough.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 20, from 6:00-9:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Graveside services for the family, officiated by the Rev. Jan Thompson, will be held on Friday, March 21, in Fortsonia Community Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard Suite 600, Arlington VA 22209.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Magnolia Estates for the loving care they provided Kathleen in her final years.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Kathleen Smith McFarlin.