Mrs. Effie Carolyn Varnadoe, age 75, of Hazlehurst, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Hazlehurst on September 10, 1949. She lived in Lumber City for the last 20 years of her life before recently moving back to Hazlehurst to be closer to her family. She was a devoted Christian and a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. She found joy in gardening and took great pride in her yard, especially in caring for her flowers and mowing the lawn. A talented seamstress, she loved sewing and often made matching outfits for her grandchildren. She also had a passion for baking and cooking, filling her home with warmth and delicious meals.

She enjoyed playing dice and card games with loved ones, and had a creative spirit that shone through her love of reading and writing poetry. Her poems were recognized with awards, a testament to her talent and heart. She cherished trips to the beach and the cabin, and above all, loved her family deeply.

Mrs. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, George Thompson and Allene Herrin; her husband, Roy Varnadoe; her daughter, Angie Sellers; her grandson, Dustin Thompson; her brother, Randy Thompson; and her sisters, Faye Toler and Cynthia NeeSmith.

Her family includes her son, Donnie Smith of Hazlehurst; her daughter, Denise Thompson (Chuck) of Hazlehurst; her brother, Johnny Thompson (Debbie) of Wray, GA; her sisters, Ann Reynolds (Stanley) of Hazlehurst, Lauralene Williamson of Oglethorpe, GA, and Sara Thompson of Hazlehurst; her granddaughters, Meygan Phillips (Kody), and Ashlie Sellers (Austin), all of Hazlehurst; her great-grandchildren, Laklynn Thompson, Kason Thompson, Emorie Corbitt, Weston Hattaway, Raylan Phillips, Willow Sellers, Madelyn Phillips, and Georgia McQueen; her best friend, Deanie Ellis; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. in the chapel of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home with Pastors Robert Beckhum and Randy Manning officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until just prior to the service.

Burial will follow in the Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be John Williamson, Johnny Thompson, Jr., Josh Taylor, Matthew McKinnon, Derek Reynolds, and Josh Ogletree.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Thompson, Kody Phillips, and Austin McQueen.

The family may be contacted at the home of Meygan Phillips, 94 Elton St, Hazlehurst, GA 31539.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home and the Varnadoe family are in charge of all arrangements.