Deborah Tindell Varnes

She was an adored wife, mother, and soon-to-be grandmother. Known to friends and family as “Debbie,” she made everyone she met feel loved, and they loved her dearly for it. She was a member of Central Bearden. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Eugene Tindell; mother, Shirley Clem Tindell Hurst; sister, Brenda Tindell; and brother, Robert Eugene Tindell II. She is survived by her husband, Joey; daughters, Allison Varnes and Amanda Brundige (Austin); future granddaughter, Leighton Brundige; nephew, Robby Tindell; niece, Jesse Johnson (Stone); sister-in-law, Robin Tindell.

Debbie was a gifted teacher whose work spanned 39 years in East Tennessee. She was a special education teacher in Roane County Schools, Knox City Schools, and Knox County Schools for ten years, and then taught second grade in Knox County Schools for 20 years. She finished her career as an intervention mentor with the Knox County Schools RTI program.

The greatest love of Debbie’s life was her family. She was there for everything, big and small. She made everything she touched more beautiful, from the best birthday cakes made from scratch to packages tied with bows. Debbie was a formidable cook, and loved baking, canning, and making hot tamales while listening to oldies. She had a sweet sense of humor. Debbie loved marching band, dance, yelling for UT sports, and watching hummingbirds on summer nights. Her nose was often in a good novel, but she would drop it in a heartbeat to help or listen. Debbie was the epitome of selfless, and she made the world a better place by being in it.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 pm Wednesday, July 2, with the funeral service to follow at 6:30 pm at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. A Graveside service will take place at 11:00 am Thursday, July 3, in Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery on Sutherland Avenue. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Whispering Waters pavilion at 10:45 am.