Patricia "Ann" Rose Varnell

ROCKY MOUNT – Patricia “Ann” Rose Varnell, age 89, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.  Born in Durham County, NC on July 10, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Lucy Williams Rose.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Council “W.C.” Varnell, Jr.; her sons, Kim Varnell and Matthew Varnell; her brothers, W.T. Rose, Junior Rose, Alvin “Babs” Rose, and James Clifton “Cliff” Rose; and her sisters, Alma Clarida, Christine Pierce, Doris Griffin, Helen Jones, and Aileen Davis.

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God.  She was married to the love of her life, W.C., for 55 beautiful years, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work.  Ann faithfully served in many roles at West Edgecombe Baptist Church.  She was a beloved Sunday School teacher, a cherished member of the choir, and a dedicated youth director who poured her heart into leading the church’s youth groups.  Her unwavering faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived it out with love and grace.  Ann’s family meant everything to her.  She found pure joy in supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing an event or opportunity to cheer them on.  Her presence was a constant reminder of her love and dedication, and her support was felt deeply by all who knew her.  In her younger years, Ann was an accomplished athlete, a chapter of her life that prepared her for the tireless dedication she brought to her role as a homemaker and partner on the family farm.  Ann was not afraid of hard work, often beginning her days before sunrise.  Her mornings started with making breakfast for her children, followed by cleaning the kitchen and heading out to the fields to work alongside W.C.  Around midday, she would come back inside to prepare a hearty lunch for the family before returning to the farm.  Her evenings were spent preparing dinner, doing laundry, and finishing countless other tasks that kept her household running smoothly.  Ann was so much more than her many roles; she was a strong, kind, and selfless woman who touched countless lives.  She gave her all to her family, her faith, and her community, leaving behind a legacy of love and service.  Ann’s memory will forever be cherished by those who were blessed to know her.  Her love, strength, and faith live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her impact will never be forgotten.

Ann is survived by her sons, Danny Varnell and wife, Vickie, of Rocky Mount and Shane Varnell and wife, Tracy, of Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Morgan Varnell Walker (Ryan), Haley Varnell Vaughan (Colton), Bridget Varnell Manning (Cody), Brandi Varnell (Tyler), Braxton Varnell (Natalie), Kamryn Varnell (Dawson), Daniel Varnell (Brianna), Will Varnell (Taylor) and Gage Varnell (Kaylee); her great-grandchildren, Laikyn Walker, Lennon Walker, Lawrence “Law” Walker, Cade Vaughan, Makenzie Manning, and Theo Manning; her brothers, Eugene Rose, A. J. Rose, and Ronald Rose; her sister, Joyce Ellis, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM at West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy. 43, North, Rocky Mount, NC  27801 with Pastor Matthew Mayo officiating.  Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.  A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of West Edgecombe Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ann’s memory to Children’s Renovation Project, West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy. 43, North, Rocky Mount, NC  27801

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.