Terri McFarlin

In loving memory of Terri L. McFarlin June 22, 1957 - June 30, 2021 Terri L.  McFarlin, 64, of Shelby, NC, left this world early the morning of June 30, 2021, following a long battle with Cervical Dystonia. In her years of battling this debilitating disease, she remained strong, courageous and always optimistic, but it was finally too much for even her to overcome.

Born June 22, 1957 in Galesburg, Il, eldest daughter of Bill and Helen Edwardson, preceded in death by her parents and brother Greg, survived by sister Linda Thompson (Alpha, Il), husband of 43 years Brian (Shelby, NC), son Danny (Wheaton, Il), daughter Kaylee (Gilbert, Az), and two beautiful grandchildren, Olivia and Hunter.

While attending Alwood High School, Terri worked as a waitress at McKee Diner, Alpha, Il, then owned by Chareen (Char) McKee, her future mother-in-law who was to become her lifelong friend.  After graduating from Alwood, Terri began work as a sales clerk at Eichhorn Jewelers in Galesburg, Il, working her way up to a key management position over a 30 year career where she worked with dear friend Chuck Melton and practically became the adopted daughter to Bob and Mary Eichhorn.  Late in her career she would once again work with her mother-in-law, Char.  Whenever in need of something for a special occasion or a last minute gift, all of her loyal customers knew Terri would take care of them regardless of their budget.

During those years, Terri raised her family, cared for their home in Knoxville, Il. and was the greatest friend and partner to Brian, high school sweetie and husband of 43 years.  Ever the homebody, she happily endured Brian’s need to travel a great deal for his work.  The family spent summers boating at Oak Run, a local lake and boating vacations with friends at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.  Terri was hostess for 15 years at “McFarlin’s Annual New Year’s Day Party”.  A gathering of friends where you could partake in a homemade Bloody-Mary, enjoy great food, listen to music or watch football.  June 2005, Terri retired from Eichhorn’s, moving with Brian to Shelby, NC, where they’ve since resided, decorating her home in ‘50s rural Illinois style (who knew there were so many Longaberger baskets?).  Although hating to leave lifelong Galesburg friends and customers, Terri was ready to trade Illinois winters for t-shirts and flip-flops, perfectly fitting her casual style.

A great lover of animals, Terri spent much time feeding deer, birds, and every other creature that might venture from the woods behind her home.  Terri became an avid Carolina Panthers fan, much to the surprise of her life-long friends as she was never interested in sports.  Of course for Terri this was more about enjoying time with a group of friends than it was about football  She enjoyed travel, loved the Caribbean’s blue waters and wished she’d spent more time there, but her first love was spending time with friends, sharing a beer and a smoke at the local pub, ideally listening to local musicians, but if not, enjoining fiends in a chorus of “I love this bar.”

Terri’s greatest gift was treating each and everyone of us as a best friend.  Never having met a stranger, it didn’t matter to her if you were homeless, had just met, or were a prominent client.  Greeted with her contagious smile, you would soon share with her every detail of your life. It was always the same Terri, mantra tattooed on her right arm, “Nice Matters.”   

Terri now sits with God along with family and friends who’ve gone before her in death, smiling that wonderful smile down on all of us.  The world was better with her in it.

Following cremation family will perform private memorials.  In accordance with her wishes there will be no public services.  Memorials in her name can be left to Hope’s Chest through Hope Animal Hospital in Shelby, NC, owned by Terri’s Veterinarian and dear friend Dr. Deanna Mosely Lawrence: 1042 Sam Lattimore Rd, Shelby, NC 28152 www.hopeschestinc.org