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Obituary
Genell Francis Thacker passed from this life to her eternal home on February 12, 2025, at the age of 93.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, John Thacker, her beloved daughter Susan Kay Miller, brother Clarence McFarland, and sisters Beulah Meyer, Thelma McFarland, Helen McFarland, and Wilma Cinnamon.
Genell is survived by her daughter Karen Thacker Carlson, son-in-law Joseph Carlson, grandchildren Eric Miller, Melissa (Cameron) Houck, and Peter Carlson, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Genell was born to Albert and Lilly Bell McFarland on October 1, 1931, in Kenvir, Kentucky. She was the youngest of six children. The McFarland sisters cherished one another dearly and remained devoted throughout their lives. Following graduation from Evarts High School in Kentucky, Genell married her high school sweetheart, John. After relocating to Michigan to live with her sisters during her husband’s service in the U.S. Army, Genell worked as a typist for the American Brass Company in Detroit.
Upon her husband’s return from the service, John and Genell established their home in Michigan. Following the birth of their first child, Susan, Genell wholeheartedly devoted herself to being a mother and a homemaker in every sense. She especially loved cooking, decorating, and preparing holiday celebrations for family gatherings. Genell was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park and later Beacon Baptist Church of Taylor, where she and her husband John enjoyed many cherished friendships.
Genell will be truly missed by those who knew and loved her.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” ~ Psalm 23:4
