Joyce Helen Varner from McCrory, AR and Lakeland, TN went peacefully to heaven on December 13, 2019. She was born on August 4, 1925 to John and Elinor Raymond of the Whitehall community. She had a sister Cherry Slaughter and a brother Tommy Hay who proceeded her in death. She was married to Merrill Varner who proceeded her in death. She and Merrill dearly loved each other and fully enjoyed their life together. She had four children, Merriam Calliham from Brighton, TN, Roland Hamilton and wife Janite from Locust Grove, VA, Michael Hamilton and wife Tem from Cabot, AR, Louann Hamilton from McCrory, AR and step son Terry Varner and wife Debra from Franklin, TN. She had seven grandchildren, Amy Permenter from Brighton, TN, Rene Smith from Covington, TN, Michael Smith and wife Sayuri from Ichinomiya, Japan, Rebecca Hamilton from New Orleans, LA, Sara Jett and husband Steve from Fredericksburg, VA, Lance Dunkin from Patterson, AR and Camille Fazel and husband Poorya from Tulsa, OK. Her five great grandchildren were Johnathon Lowrey from Covington, TN, Will and Sam Jett from Fredericksburg, VA and Ariana and Everett Fazel from Tulsa, OK. She was an extraordinary lady and loving mother who wrote two books, one which was published.
She loved music as she played the piano and guitar. She had a beautiful alto voice. She never met a stranger. She was a fierce defender of her family. She had many dear friends. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you buy something special for your loved ones in her memory. A memorial gathering will be at the Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens at 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN from 1-2 PM on December 18, 2019. A celebration of life will be at 2 PM and burial following.
