Deanne Varner

Deanne Varner, 72, passed away on May 5, 2025, following a long illness.

Deanne was born on March 1, 1953, to Robert and Charlotte Varner in Jacksonville, Florida. Due to her father’s career with the Veterans Administration (now Veterans Affairs), the family moved to Michigan, Kansas, and then Texas, which became Deanne’s permanent home.

Deanne attended Baylor University for a year before marrying and moving to Dallas. She continued her studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU), graduating magna cum laude in 1973 with a degree in philosophy and becoming a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She was accepted early to the SMU law school, where she graduated with honors as a member of Phi Alpha Delta in 1975. Deanne was academically outstanding but never took part in ceremonial fanfare. She never once attended any of her graduations, including her formal swearing-in ceremony. She cared more about meeting her own standard of excellence than anyone else’s.

Her above-average approach to life and work was evident in how she managed her career. After taking on various positions, she realized that in order to be respected and valued as a woman in a high-pressure, predominantly male industry, she would have to make her own way. She founded The Law Firm of Deanne Varner, which she worked tirelessly to build and nurture while raising two children as a single mother. She had high-profile clients and became an expert in working with corporations to launch their initial public offerings. When she was ready for a new challenge, she took on General Counsel roles at Mannatech, Inc., Delta Dailyfood Texas, and the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, handling legal and regulatory affairs while leading major business deals and corporate litigation.

Deanne loved the finer things in life. She was a car enthusiast (especially Mercedes), a passion she shared with her son, Matthew. She also collected handbags, jewelry, antiques, art, and various odds and ends. Though she was busy, she always found time for her children, even as they got older and started their own families. She loved to travel and had memorable trips to Europe, Asia, and California wine country with her daughter, Amanda. She poured her heart and soul into holidays, decorating stunning Christmas trees, preparing all of their favorite foods, and making visits unforgettable for her grandchildren.

Deanne was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Charlotte Varner, and son-in-law, Ari Charney. She is survived by her children, Amanda Charney and Matthew Kingsley (Natalie), and grandchildren, Daniel, Vivienne, and Beatrix. She is also survived by Alan Kazdoy, her former spouse and father of her children.