Barbara McGhee Farrell

Barbara McGhee Farrell, 84, was born in Chapel Hill, NC to the late Carl Rudolph McGhee and Frances McGhee on August 30th, 1941. Barbara graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1960. In June 1960, she married her childhood sweetheart, GR Farrell. Together they resided in Chatham County and raised 4 children, while maintaining a tobacco farm and a community staple, Farrell and Sons.

Barbara was an exceptional cook, lover of animals, avid gardener and devoted grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed spoiling her 11 grandkids, 17 great grandkids, and her cat Boots. In her later years, she could be found feeding her ducks, watching hummingbirds and cardinals, and reading her bible.

 Devoted member of Merritts Chapel, Barbara, spent years serving her church. She was an active member of the choir, Women’s Group, and served countless meals for the church and community. She was known for her famous Brunswick stew.

Barbara is survived by her sons, George Robert Farrell Jr, Craig Farrell (Tracy), Curt Farrell (Kay), daughter Carla Reil (John), 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, brother Clarence “Pete” McGhee (Sylvia), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband George Robert Farrell Sr, and brother Carl McGhee.

The visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00-11:50AM at Merritt’s Chapel (1090 Farrington Point Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517), with a memorial service to follow with Rev. Henry Cribb and Dr. Benji Kelley presiding. A graveside inurnment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (ncdsalliance.org), in honor of her great grandson, Malachi Wetzel in lieu of flowers.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to service the Farrell family.