Clair Ellen Varner

Our beloved, loving, and sometimes sassy mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Clair Ellen Patrick Varner, finished her earthly race on March 8, 2026, and is now in the presence of the One who created her and loved her unconditionally. While we feel deep sadness at the loss of our tiny but mighty hero, we also find comfort in knowing she has run the good race and now receives her crown of goodness and mercy.

Clair was born on June 21, 1929, and raised in “South Philly,” as she proudly liked to say. Due to family hardships, she became a ward of the Catholic Church and was raised by her godparents, David and Mary Khoury, who owned a boarding house and candy shop at 1514 Jackson Street—an address she could still proudly recite at 96 years old. It was there that Clair developed the remarkable work ethic that would define her life. From selling candy and newspapers to even cigarettes at the age of five, she never shied away from hard work.

Clair was twice married to sailors and was blessed with five children: Mary, Patricia (Tish) Buchanon, Kathy, Jon, and Melinda (Sam) Varner. Life with the military took her across the country, with stops in Washington, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and California before she ultimately made Houston, Texas, her permanent home in 1972. With her characteristic humor she would say, “I got here from San Diego with the Rockets.” Remarkably, she accomplished all of this without ever driving a car. Instead, she walked, used public transportation, or caught rides with others to get wherever she needed to go.

Clair was preceded in death by her son, Jon Varner; grandson David Lewis; granddaughters Kassi and Kyle Herrick; and her former husbands, Chuck Buchanon and Douglas Varner.

Clair thrived in circumstances where lack and profound loss might have limited others. She possessed a calm inner strength, gritty resilience, a quick and playful wit, and a deep love for people. These qualities allowed her not only to overcome life’s many adversities but to help others do the same.

After the tragic loss of her only son, Jon Varner, to violence, Clair became a dedicated advocate for crime victims and their families. She turned her grief into a mission of support and healing, serving through organizations such as Parents of Murdered Children and Crime Stoppers, participating on the Harris County Grand Jury, and volunteering as a court sitter and crime victims’ advocate. Through these efforts, she stood beside countless families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Clair truly loved people—of every background, walk of life, and age—and they loved her right back. If she attended your gathering, the party did not truly begin until she arrived, and it was almost guaranteed she would be the last to leave.

She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, perseverance, a touch of sass, and above all, love. Her family and friends will feel the ache of her absence, but we also carry the joy and hope of a reunion one day.

Though Clair stood just 4 feet 11 inches tall, her impact on those around her was immeasurable. Her legacy lives on through her family: Mary and Nick Lewis, Tish Villalobos, Kathy and Dee Williams, and Sam and Mel Davis, along with 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren—a family that will continue to grow and carry her spirit into future generations.

Some may wonder how she endured life’s hardships with such strength and lived so fully for so long. Anyone who knew Clair likely heard her most famous phrase more than once: “WHATEVER!” In its own way, it was a bit of wisdom from our beloved Philly girl—her reminder to keep moving forward and not let life’s troubles steal your joy.

Finally, as written in Philippians 4:8:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, beginning at 2:00 PM. A catered reception will immediately follow the service. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Crime Stoppers of Houston or Parents of Murdered Children – Houston would be greatly appreciated.