Nancy James

Nancy R. McFarland-James was surrounded by loving Family and Friends as she drifted into eternal rest on February 14, 2025♥. Nancy was born on March 17, 1938, the daughter of the late Lloyd McFarland and Minnie Lee Jackson-McFarland of Nashville, Tennessee.

 Nancy received her education in the Davidson County School, Nashville, TN. As a young lady, she was a member of Ebenezer AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee for 28 years. Nancy and her children later relocated to Detroit, Michigan where she united with Burnette Baptist Church. In 1977, she returned to Nashville and became a member of First Baptist South Inglewood, where she dedicated herself to the Lord, served her church and was a member of the Missionary Society. Upon her union with Herman P. James, Nancy became an active Member and Deaconess at New Life Seventh-Day Adventist, Nashville, TN, were she served until her passing.

 Nancy owned and operated several daycares for 21 years (Nancy’s Group Daycare) in Nashville, where she devoted her life to the care and upbringing of many children in the Metro Nashville area. She was fondly known as Ms. Nancy. She helped raise hundreds of children (and some of their children). She loved taking the little ones on day-trips around Nashville to show them its culture; even on the hottest of days they enjoyed themselves. She was considered a second Mom, Granny or Auntie to them. Many of the children kept in touch after Nancy retired and until her passing (a few were at her beside as she took her last breath). That is how Loved Nancy was. 

 Nancy was ALWAYS known for her open door to anyone who wanted a homecooked meal; and that was just about every day (even when her health began to fail). Her grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved her homemade biscuits and gravy. Nancy’s staple to most was her famous Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, peas and don’t forget the Banana Pudding. If you didn’t get to her home early you would miss out on the delicious chicken, as it was the first to go.

Nancy’s passing is a deep loss to her Family and numerous Friends. She loved, nurtured and touched the lives of everyone she met. She will always be in everyone’s hearts.

 Nancy Ruth James preceded in death by Loved Ones, husband, Herman Pink James, sons, Wayne Allen McFarland, and Carlton Jackson, grandsons, Daryl McFarland, Donnie R. McFarland, Jr., granddaughter, Brianna Brown. Brothers, Randall, George, Herman, and Robert Frank McFarland. Sister, Patricia A. Billings. Fond/Loving memories are left with son, Donnie (Sheila) McFarland, Sr., daughter, Darlene (John) McFarland-Jackson, step-sons Anthony (Tony) James, Christopher James and Victor James. (Grandchildren) * Candace Benson (Detroit), Marguerite Kimble (Atlanta), Brittany Brown (Dallas), LaToya Davis (Ohio), Oronde (Ronnie) Davis (Ohio), Shakieta McFarland (Nashville), Brandon-Chase Loyd Loggins (Atlanta), Joshua James 

 Loving sister, Deborah A. (Kenneth) McCauley, Sr., brother, Thomas Floyd McFarland, Sr., (sister-in-law) Cassie McFarland, (devoted/lifelong sister-friend), Chlodis Simpson, (longtime friends) Alma Clark, Jeanetta and Gene Greene. Devoted Nieces/Nephews, Georgette G. Payne, Anita L. Barnes, Kenya McCauley-Boyd, Anissa Mack, Tyjuana Bradley-Ward, Shirley McFarland, Edwin Smith, James R. McFarland, Jr., William Bradley, III, Floyd McFarland, Jr., Kenneth (Kenny) McCauley, Jr., Marshaunda Jackson, and numerous other nieces and nephews. (Great-Grandchildren) Dionne McFarland, Donnie Dejuan McFarland, Amber McFarland Fuqua, Lachanee Davis, Charrion Jones, Angel Jones, Skylar Horton, Ryan McFarland, Dylan McFarland, Donnie R. McFarland, III, and numerous great-great grandchildren.