Burch Neal (McFarland) Dille

Burch Neal (McFarland) Dille was called home to glory on January 12, 2016. Born April 2, 1918, in Megargel, Texas, she was the oldest of five children raised in a devout Baptist household. She grew up singing hymns, and often spoke about her father’s beautiful tenor voice. She enjoyed attending church, singing in the church choir, and playing the piano and organ (mostly self-taught) her entire life.

Dr. Dille had a keen intellect and was an educator and avid reader throughout her life. After graduating from Howard Payne University, Mrs. Dille earned a Master’s degree at the University of Texas at El Paso in the mid 1960’s and a PhD in Education from New Mexico State University in 1968—most unusual for a single parent in those days. Dr. Dille (or Dr. McFarland, as she was also known) taught all grades, elementary through high school, in San Angelo, TX, Logan, NM, Washington, DC, and El Paso, TX. She was later a principal and supervisor of principals in El Paso and a professor in the College of Education at Wichita State University in Wichita, KS. Her greatest professional love was teaching children, especially those in disadvantaged situations such as in the barrios of South El Paso—poor children from struggling families were her calling and her passion.

Dr. Dille will be remembered for her strong, independent spirit and for instilling strength and independence in her children and grandchildren, and especially in her granddaughters. A lifelong Democrat, she was a passionate advocate for women’s issues—more interested in reading the New York Times than spending hours in the kitchen. She was always ready to read books, play games, or educate her grandchildren about books, family history, or the native trees and birds of Texas.

Dr. Dille was preceded in death by two husbands, Reel Watson McFarland and Russell Rice Dille. She is survived by sons Bill and Gerald McFarland; grandchildren Joel McFarland, Joanna McFarland Owusu, Melissa McFarland Head, and Heather McFarland; and great-grandchildren Madelyn and Isaac McFarland, Miles, Max, and Quinn Owusu, and Harper Bunch.

A memorial service celebrating Dr. Dille’s life is at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Baptist Memorials Chapel with Rev. Kevin McSpadden officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com