Jean Smith Varnell, 76, of Sale Creek, died peacefully Wednesday, March 16, 2011.
She was born on Feb. 26, 1935 in Collinsville, Ala., to the late John Kelly Smith and Jessie Pendergrass. She moved to Fort Payne, Ala., with her parents and her brother, the late John Fred Smith and she graduated from Dekalb High School in 1952.
She moved to Chattanooga and worked at U.S. Pipe until she married Neil Varnell in 1966. Both retired to Sale Creek in 1979 and started Varnells Blueberry Hill where she sold day lilies, and other plants as well as blueberries.
Over the years, Mom said they did not have customers, but made friends with all who came to the farm.
Survivors include her husband, Neil Varnell; son, Louis and daughter-in-law, Rene Varnell as well as a large number of others who thought of her as their Mom too. She was the best Mom that a boy could have asked for.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 21, in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. James C. Gibson officiating. Interment will follow the service at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Her family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the Southeast Veterans Museum at the History Co., 6652 Lafayette Road, Chickamauga, Ga. 30707.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.