Obituary courtesy of Humphrey Mortuary
Since her introduction to Speech Communication in 1962, Dr. McFarlin went on to earn a B.A. (Cal State Long Beach), M.A. (UCLA) and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication. In 1975, she became the first Black American to receive a Doctorate in Rhetorical Studies from Washington State University. She was the second African American woman to receive a Doctorate in any subject matter from WSU. She is the first recognized scholar of orator Hallie Quinn Brown.
Dr. McFarlin taught at several educational institutions: Northern Illinois University, Southwestern Community College, University of New Hampshire, San Diego State University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Washington State University, and Grossmont Community College. She also held several administrative positions during her time as an educator.
From 1971-1972, Dr. McFarlin was the Director of Black Special Services at SDSU. In 1990 she was the Evening Dean at Grossmont College. From 1994 to 2002, Dr. McFarlin was Director of the San Diego Imperial County Community College Association Regional Faculty Internship Project (SDICCCA). This project was highly recognized throughout America for its ability to recruit, train and place ethnic faculty into community colleges. Over 130 interns were recruited, trained and placed into teaching positions within the community college system. For her successful leadership of the SDICCCA Project, Dr. McFarlin was recognized by the State Chancellor’s office for her contributions to Leadership.
Dr. McFarlin was a renowned public speaker. She gave over 100 public speeches and was featured as the key note speaker with such organizations as the NAACP, the Annual Black History Celebration for the YWCA, and in special occasions on military bases, churches, and various educational institutions throughout America. One of these speeches featured her as Educator of the Year for the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Dr. McFarlin was a Communications Consultant. Her firm, Adjua Associates, provided communications services to individuals, businesses, universities, and public schools.
Community Activities:
President and Founder of the Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc.
Active member and former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter.
Instrumental in the establishment of Mu Iota and Kappa Sigma Chapters of AKA Sorority, Inc.
Directed the Pazzaz Inc. Oratorical Contest; a city wide oratorical contest for students grades 9-12.
President of the Martin Luther King Democratic Club, years 2005 – 2007.
Member of Bethel AME Church.
Her most well-known publication was Black Reconstruction Orators and Their Orations: 1865-1875.
Dr. McFarlin is survived by her daughter, Annjennette Elizabeth McFarlin, sister Linda (McFarlin) Brown, brother Michael McFarlin, nieces, nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews, and an abundance of family and friends that seems to never end.
Dr. McFarlin’s memorial service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church.
In lieu of cards, flowers, etc., we ask that you gift a child with food through Feeding America San Diego at the website: feedingamericasd.org.
