Mattie Dell McFarrin, 70, of LaPorte, died at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City, IN.
She was born April 11, 1943, in Randolph, Alabama, to Joseph and Lillie (Haggard) Cash.
Mattie was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church of Kingsford Heights, IN, and participated as a vocalist in the church choir. When Mattie was 15 she was the lead singer in a gospel singing group known as the Gospel Pearls. The group was formed by Rev. Artist B. Lewis, her stepfather. She was accompanied in the group by her sisters, Jean Dunlap, Barbara Brumfield and Janet Lewis. The group gained recognition and an article appeared in the LaPorte Herald-Argus to compliment the quartet’s pageantry. Mattie was a 1961 graduate of LaPorte High School. She went on to earn a degree in nursing from Purdue University and worked as a registered nurse at LaPorte Hospital for 17 years. She enjoyed knitting, listening to radio shows and spending time with her family and friends. She dedicated her time and sacrificed her personal life to ensure the successful raising of her two sons.
Mattie is survived by her two sons, Barry McFarrin and Lawrence McFarrin, both of LaPorte; four sisters, Jean (Shed) Dunlap of Texas, Ann (Hampton) Lewis of Washington, Bridgette Lewis of California and Barbara (Willie) Brumfield of Gary, IN; two brothers, Joseph (Beverly) Cash of Arizona and Damon (Barbara) Cash of Washington, D.C.; seven grandchildren, Devon, Tiama, Cameron, Julius, Alexis, Noah, and Lyric; special aunt, Ruby Cash; loving sister-in-law, Odessa Cash; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mattie was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Charles Cash Sr.
A funeral celebrating her life will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 17, at New Community AME Church, 102 Ludlow St., LaPorte, with Pastor Dalrey Trotter officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until the service at the church. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Mattie McFarrin c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.