Catherine Gene "Katie" Varner

Catherine Gene Bankston Varner, 85, died on July 20 at her home in Jackson, MS after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Katie was born on July 28, 1928 in Jackson, MS. She was the only child of Paul Clifford Bankston, Jr. and Eugenia Brasfield Bankston of Edwards, MS.

Katie graduated from the Edwards High School. She attended Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus, MS. After her freshman year, she transferred to the University of Mississippi where she earned a degree in Business Education. Katie was a member of Chi Omega sorority at Ole Miss, and it was there she met her future husband, Joel Elliott Varner of Senatobia, MS.

Joel and Katie were married at the Edwards Presbyterian Church in Edwards, MS on August 24, 1950. Katie and Joel had many exciting adventures during the first five years of marriage with their move to Lawton, OK and the year they spent in Germany while Joel was a pilot on active duty with the U.S. Army. Katie was so determined to join Joel while he was stationed in Germany for military service that she travelled to Germany alone during the chaotic time after World War II. The memories and friendships they made while living in Germany have lasted throughout their lifetime.

After Joel’s military service, they resided in Edwards until 1969 when they moved to Jackson, MS. Katie was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, where she was active in the Women in the Church. She also played piano for the two year old children’s Sunday School class and at Vacation Bible School, until she was no longer physically able. She was recently honored for her service to the First Presbyterian Church with a Lifetime Membership award.

Her days were filled with caring her for own parents whom she was extremely close to, then for her children and for her grandchildren that followed. Katie spent many days and nights at the activities her grandchildren were involved in from soccer games and recitals to graduations and weddings. Whether in or out of town, Katie never wanted to miss anything that involved her family. She was known as Nana by her grandchildren and by many to whom she was a surrogate grandmother. In her earlier years, her home was open to all, and her kitchen was always filled with plenty of home cooked meals to nurture the body and soul. She continued this tradition at their weekend home at Lake Cavalier where special times were enjoyed by family and friends

Katie was a devoted prayer warrior, and she participated in a weekly prayer group with 3 other close friends that met for thirty years every Monday up until the week of her death. She is remembered by all as a dear and faithful friend, a listening ear and a source of comfort and strength to many. Even when she was confined to her house, she enjoyed a constant stream of visitors. Katie's calling in life was her devotion to family, nurturing them physically and spiritually. "Nana" will be missed by all who knew her!

Katie was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 63 years and their three children Joel Paul Varner and his wife Karen of Madison, MS, Catherine Varner Keegan and her husband Patrick of Signal Mountain, TN and Mary Varner Ellison and her husband Parker of Jackson, MS. Katie was the proud grandparent of Fran Snow and her husband Nathan; Joel Varner and his wife Laura; Kate, Brendan, Duncan and Trinh Keegan; Lee, Claire, Daniel and Emily Ellison. Katie’s two great grandchildren are Elliot and Cora Snow.

Katie will be buried at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 24 at the Edwards Cemetery in Edwards, MS. Visitation is from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 24 at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. A memorial service at the church will immediately follow the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Mustard Seed or Palmer Home for Children. Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com