Delores Lemons McFarland

Delores Lemons Parrish McFarland, 85, of Durham passed away on August 27, 2026, at her residence surround by her family. She was born on December 29, 1940, in Durham to the late Lehman William and Essie Thompson Lemons.  

In addition to her parents, she predeceased by her husband, Clarence M. Parrish; brothers, Tommy and Phillip Lemons; brother-in-law, Cecil Shaw.

Delores is survived by her husband Jimmy McFarland; sons, Clarence Parrish (Debbie), Jay McFarland (Kenna); daughters Deborah Lorbacher (Doug), Wanda Appel (Mike), Ginger Anderson (Mike) and Mitzi McFarland; brother, Louis Robert Lemons (Mary Ann); sister, Carolyn Shaw; grandchildren, Scott Parrish (Kristin), Brooklyn Ladd (Kevin), Tyler Appel (Katie), Kyle Appel (MaryEllen) and Natalie Barber; 10 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Dee Lemons, Donna Lemons, Nancy Mc Allister; brother-in-law, Tom McFarland.

Delores was a woman whose life was defined by faith, service, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved. Rooted deeply in her Christian beliefs, she shared her kindness through warm hospitality, heartfelt conversations, and the comfort of home-cooked meals that welcomed family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Delores was married to Clarence M. Parrish for 54 years. Together they have three children, five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Their life together consisted of faith, family, and friends. They camped with a group of families across the community, traveled in their motor home, and enjoyed spending time with a unique group of friends. Their home was a gathering place for her extended family and friends where holidays were celebrated. She always made a point to prepare individuals favorite dishes or desserts to make you feel special and part of the family. She loved her family that included her nieces, nephews, and many others that also called her “Mom” or “Granny”. It was nothing to be at their house late at night with a group of friends around the table, drinking coffee, and eating a delicious dessert made by Delores.

For more than twenty-five years, Delores worked at Merrick Moore Elementary School where she formed lasting friendships that continued to support and enrich her and her families’ lives. After retirement, she continued her lifelong commitment to caring for children at Calvary Daycare and later devoted herself to nurturing two of her great-grandchildren.

Her exceptional talent in the kitchen became a gift she shared widely through her catering business, “Delightful and Delicious by Delores”, where she joyfully served brides, churches, families, and her community.

Delores remained a widow for 17 years until she married Jimmy McFarland. Following her marriage to Jimmy, she gained two daughters, a son and their spouses along with six grandchildren and spouses. They enjoyed a life filled with travel, cooking, cruising, and cherished time spent with loved ones.

Her family and friends take comfort in knowing she entered heaven greeted by our Heavenly Father with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” a reflection of the grace, generosity, and love she embodied throughout her life.

The family would like to thank the wonderful care team of Renee, Heather, and Kellie along with the Amedisys Hospice Team, Latasha, Tracie, Hazel, and Justice. We would like to thank the many families and friends that have provided prayers, food, and support during this difficult time.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Officiating will be Reverend Clarence Parrish and Mike Appel.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Appel, Tyler Appel, Scott Parrish, Doug Lorbacher, Natalie Barber and Jay McFarland.

A private family burial will take place following the service.

In honor of Delores, we will be hosting a celebration of life lunch at Redwood Ruritan Club following the service and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, bring your favorite dessert in remembrance of “Delightful and Delicious by Delores”.