Nancy McFarland, Longtime Commerce Educator and Civic Leader, Dies at 83

By Mark Haslett, KETR.org

McFarland’s many contributions to public life in Commerce included work in early childhood education, as well as service as “first lady” of Texas A&M University-Commerce, where her husband Keith was president 1998-2008.

Today in Commerce and around Northeast Texas, locals are mourning the passing of longtime educator and civic leader Nancy McFarland. An obituary posted by Commerce Funeral Home said McFarland died Monday (Oct. 7), two days after suffering a stroke. She was 83.

McFarland was known locally for the many roles she played in the life of the Commerce community, including 15 years as director of Little Ark Preschool at the First United Methodist Church of Commerce. McFarland's husband, Keith, served as Texas A&M University-Commerce president from 1998 until 2008. Nancy McFarland also served as a deacon and elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Commerce, where she also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. McFarland is survived by her husband, Keith, along with their children and grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday (Oct. 11) evening, 5-7 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home at 1505 Washington Street. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 12) at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1216 Monroe Street in Commerce.

KETR is a public radio station licensed through Texas A&M University-Commerce that serves the communities of Northeast Texas at 88.9 FM and at KETR.org.