Mrs. Varner was born July 18, 1928, to Bernice Boone and Velma Crowson Jackson in Sturgis, Mississippi. Joyce attended Sturgis School and Wood Junior College where she loved to play basketball. She was young when she became a Christian and was a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church. Mrs. Varner served as treasurer for Antioch Baptist Church for countless years as well as treasurer for the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery fund in her later years. Joyce and Louis Varner stood as pillars at Antioch Baptist Church and an example for anyone who sought to serve the Lord. Joyce loved gospel hymns and encouraged her children to participate in church music.
Two of Mrs. Varner’s favorite roles in life were being wife to Louis Jr. Varner and mother to Dannell, Jackie, Pam, Robert and Robin. She stated at one point that the happiest day of her life was “when I marred dad.” They were together for 69 years when Louis passed away in 2016. She enjoyed flowers, hunting, and fishing. She was fun loving and enjoyed a great laugh. Mrs. Varner worked from time to time in retail. Joyce was gifted in hospitality, baking and cooking for family and friends throughout her lifetime.
Mrs. Varner loved her family dearly. She is survived by her children Dannell Irving (Jimmy); Jackie Ganann (Billy); Pam Woodson (Barry Fortenberry); Robert Varner (Carolyn); and Robin Ballard (Chris). One of her greatest joys was being “Mamaw” to her fifteen grandchildren: Chris Stephenson (Amy); Ryan Irving (Whitney); Candace Stephenson; Kasie Ganann Baxter (Benji); Karla Ganann Raines (Tony Mark); Kylie Ganann Stanford; Jessica Woodson Wade (Matt); Daniel Woodson, Lauren Woodson Armstrong (Weston); Brent Varner (Madison); Leslie Varner Bustin (Cameron); Bryce Varner; Dillon Ballard; Lana Ballard; Jena Ballard. Also left to mourn the passing of their “Mamaw” are fifteen great-grandchildren; James Irving, Shepard Irving, Christopher Dean; Rowan Dean, Henley Baxter, Logan Raines, Karder Raines, Kimber Raines, Bella Stanford, Knox Stanford, Kandler Stanford, Ryan Wade, Lillian Wade, Paisley Woodson and soon to be Olivia (Livi) Varner Armstong due in December. She is also survived by a brother, Bob Jackson, and a sister Janice Robbins.
Mrs. Varner was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Jr. Varner, her parents, Bernice and Velma Jackson; her parents-in-law Theodore and Jessie Varner, three brothers, Aurie, Bre, and Dan; one grandson, Walter Brent Stanford, Jr., and one great-grandson, Mark Raines.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to The Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Butch Miller, 32220 Highway 25 North, Sturgis, MS 39769
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
