Pearl Inez Varnell

Pearl Varnell, a resident of Charleston, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2006 at the home of her daughter Mary V. Baker. She was born on September 15, 1908, and was the only World War I surviving widow in the state of Tennessee. She was a member of Ladies Auxiliary Post 81 American Legion in Cleveland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry J. Varnell, a well known farmer of his time. They shared the same passion of farming and she continued the practice thirty seven years after his passing. She lived a full rich life of 97 years and left a legacy of honor, honesty and sharing in her community. She will be dearly missed by people that loved seeing her arrive with a home made cake, pie, loaf bread, and pumpkin bread or banana bread as a Christmas gift. She was the daughter of the late Bill and Cordia Wallace, and was also preceded in death by three sisters: Willie Marie Wallace, Sue Malone and Lucille Gregg, and one brother, William Wallace. She lovingly gave all her five children nicknames based on their actions as small children. These survivors include Mildred Heil of Jeffersonville, IN, Boyce "Bud" Varnell of Charleston, John Varnell and wife Betty June of Chula Vista, CA, Mary V. Baker of Charleston, and Helen V. Malmquist and husband Carl of Cleveland. Until her passing she was the matriarch of five living generations leaving behind sixteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and seven great great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Edna Nance and husband Walter "Bud" of Cleveland, and several nieces and nephews. Sleep on, beloved! Sleep, and take thy rest; Lay down thy head upon thy Savior?s breast?. Good Night