Willette Varnie

Born December 7th, 1977 in Tubmanburg, Liberia (West Africa), she is a daughter of Beatrice Varnie and the late Edward Varnie Sr. At a young age Willette relocated from Liberia to join her parents in America, spending her adolescence years in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) and Orange County (California). Upon graduating from Loara Highschool in Anaheim (California), she attended Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina where she earned her degree of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Willette spent her professional career working with children with special needs and at-risk youth as a social worker and teacher’s assistant, last working at Lincoln Heights Academy in Mecklenburg County, and Carl A Furr Elementary and Harris Road Middle School in Cabarrus County.

In 2011, following the birth of her son, Willette was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the power of perseverance, she eventually beat the illness and went into remission for five years. Though the cancer returned in 2018, Willette stored her faith in God and remained optimistic about life, never allowing the circumstance to overcome her spirit.

Willette’s passions included a sweet spot for children, which showed in her profession. She loved listening and dancing to all types of genres of music, especially 90s Hip-Hop and R&B, Dancehall Reggae and Afrobeat. She also enjoyed films and overall pop culture. She was also a huge advocate for breast cancer awareness. Willette enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and loved to joke around. Laughter and joy was the key to her heart. She was able to befriend people from different walks of life with her welcoming smile and lively energy. Willette had a big heart and was a giver no matter the circumstance. She did her best to help and accommodate the ones she loved. Though soft spoken, Willette had an unique spunk that reflected her resilience. Her life journey is inspirational and her one-of-a-kind essence was felt by all who knew her. Willette truly fought a grand fight until the end.

Willette was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend. Willette is survived by her mom, Beatrice Varnie; a brother, Edward Varnie Jr.; a sister, Diane Varnie and a son, Derrick “DJ” Neal Jr.

Celebration of Life services are planned for 12:00pm on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Hickory Grove Road Charlotte, NC 28215. Friends may attend the viewing with the family from 11:00am to 12:00 pm. Committal services and burial will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 1504 West Sugar Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28262.

Share condolences online at www.mcewenderitachapel.com.