Beth Varn
Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan Varn of St. Simons Island, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024, surrounded by her family. Beth was a wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend.
Beth was born in Chattanooga, on May 31, 1955, to the late John Cameron Ryan and Jenny Lou Jeffreys Ryan. She spent her childhood on Lookout Mountain where she made lifelong friends. She cherished her memories of Lookout Mountain and always spoke with great pride of her hometown. She attended Girls Preparatory School (GPS), graduating in 1973. She then traveled to Athens, Ga., to attend the University of Georgia, where she received a degree in interior design.
While in Athens, she met her future husband, William “Will” F. Varn, Jr. They began dating during the summer of 1975, and upon Will’s completion of graduate school, they were married at The Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain on Aug. 2, 1980. After honeymooning in Bermuda, the Varns moved to St. Simons Island, Ga., where they happily lived for their 43 years of marriage—raising two children, Katie and Will, and many beloved dogs. Beth enjoyed a successful, lifelong career as an interior designer, creating many lasting friendships among her clients.
Beth was dedicated and passionate wherever she served. She was the co- chairman of the Sea Island Cancer Ball for the American Cancer Society in 1988; she served on the Frederica Academy Board of Trustees; and she was a Board Member for the Friends of Coastal Georgia History, as well as a member of the St. Simons Cotillion Club. Beth was a long-standing member of Christ Church, Frederica, and an active member of several committees, including the Annual Christ Church, Frederica, Tour of Homes. Beth especially enjoyed teaching Middle and Upper School Sunday School in her latter years.
Those who remember Beth best knew she loved being outdoors—whether hiking with Will all over the country or on the many trips with her treasured “Canoe Group” of fellow canoers or on family ski trips with close friends.
Perhaps her most memorable trip was to New Zealand with son, Will, to skydive and bungee jump. Indeed, she loved an adventure.
Beth also had a fighting spirit which she put to use mightily as she faced the challenge of breast cancer. She battled cancer with courage, faith and determination, inspiring many others, always offering encouragement and educated advice to those walking a similar path. As a close friend said about Beth: “she fought with grace and grit to live the life she loved.”
Affectionately known as “Bethie” by her grandchildren, Harper and Reeves, she loved her family to her core. She spoke to or about them daily and longed for their special days spent at the beach playing together.
While Beth will be greatly missed, her spirit and smile will live on through her family and friends she touched throughout her life.
Beth is survived by her husband of 43 years, William F. Varn, Jr.; her daughter, Catherine Varn King; son-in-law, Carter Felker King; two grandchildren, Harper King and Reeves King; her son, William F. Varn III; her sister, Mary Cameron Ryan; brother-in-law, Philip Garrissere Wyatt; and numerous cousins. She is is preceded in death by her parents, John Cameron Ryan and Jenny Lou Jeffreys Ryan.
The family will host a visitation on Wednesday, May 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at Christ Church, Frederica, on Thursday, May 30, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Church, Frederica, youth ministry.