Cornelia Crumley Varnell

Cornelia Crumley Varnell, 80, of Canadian, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021 in Sparta, Tennessee.

Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Monday, September 20, 2021 at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Donald Hill, pastor of The River Ministries, officiating. Arrangements and burial are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Cornelia was born to Frederic Jennings Crumley and Willie Adele Hickox Crumley in the fall of 1940 in Amarillo. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1958 and studied English at West Texas College. In 1960, Cornelia married Bill Henry Varnell. Bill and Cornelia moved to Canadian in 1962. The family enjoyed traveling and divided their time between Canadian and the mountains of New Mexico. Cornelia and Bill were leaders in 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Bill died in 2009.

Cornelia was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, and community. She was a longtime member of Canadian’s First United Methodist Church. Cornelia loved gardening, reading, and fishing. It is said that she would sometimes even read and fish at the same time. Cornelia also loved history and genealogy. She was a member of the Comancheria DAR Chapter and the Hemphill County Cemetery Association. Cornelia very much enjoyed spending time with her friends at Canasta Club.

Cornelia is survived by her son, Frederic Varnell and wife Michelle; daughter, Melinda Miller and husband Bryan; son, Howard Varnell; sister, Adele Kipp and husband Roger. She adored her three grandchildren William, Lauren, and Jethro, as well as her many nephews, nieces, and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials can be made to a favorite charity.