Gertrude Manly McFarland (Tut), 90, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away Wednesday April 26, 2017 at her residence.
Tut was born in Dalton to the late Judge James A. and Gertrude Manly McFarland (Jolly) on July 19, 1926. Tut was educated in the Dalton Public School System and at LaGrange College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Drama.
Tut spent her entire career teaching Dalton children. She taught speech lessons in Dalton Public Schools from 1947 to 1969, then taught 3rd grade until 1991. Although Tut was passionate about teaching, her first love was the theater. Most of her early summer years of her teaching career were spent at Barter Theater in VA., then later conducting theater tours in NYC. Other summers she spent on another one of her favorite activities which was travelling. Tut has travelled extensively and has spent time exploring all 7 continents.
Tut was an active member of Dalton Little Theater for almost 60 years and served on the theater’s board of trustees. She loved participating in local plays and storytelling in costume at local historical events.
Tut was a very active member of the Lesche Club, where she served as president and historian. She was also involved in the Pilot Club of Dalton for 56 years and served as president, vice president, secretary, District Anchor Club chairman and club chaplain. Tut was an active member of the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society since 1976 and served as a board member of the Friends of the Library, member of Dalton/Murray Retired Educators and Dalton Garden Club. She volunteered at the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce for 20 years.
Tut was a lifelong member of the Dalton First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for 60 years. She was active in Wesleyan Services Guild and United Methodist Women where she served as devotional presenter. She directed many church drama productions and was the church historian.
Tut dedicated her life to teaching, volunteering and serving others. In recognition for her many contributions to the community, Tut was honored at the Dalton Toast of the town in 2016.
She was preceded in death by her brother, James Stuart McFarland.
Tut is survived by her sister-in-law Frances (Bitsy) McFarland; her nephew James Stuart McFarland, Jr and his wife Carol of Dalton; nieces Linda M. Pearse and her husband Robert of Saratoga, CA and Mary Stuart M. Wagner and her husband Brian of Clayton, NC; and her many great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday May 1, at Dalton First United Methodist Church with Rev. Tommy Willingham officiating. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends in the Atrium of the Church on Monday from 1-2 p.m.
The family asks that flower please be omitted and memorials be made to Dalton First United Methodist Church, c/o Saturday Sacks, 500 S. Thornton Ave, Dalton, GA 30720.