Obituary

Joan “Joanie” Marie Sanders Varnado

January 27, 1954 - August 31, 2024

Joan Marie Varnado “Joanie” passed away Saturday morning August 31, 2024 at Winker Court Nursing Home in Fort Myers, FL. She was born January 27, 1954 at Magee Clinic in Franklinton, LA. Joanie graduated from Franklinton High School where she enjoyed chorus and cheerleading. After high school, she married Jimmie D. Varnado and moved to Livingston Parish for five years. Joanie spent the majority of her life in Franklinton La with the exception of 10 years in Newnan, Georgia. In her life, Joan had various occupations including courthouse clerk, preschool teacher, and certified nursing assistant. Her proudest accomplishments was being a devoted wife and raising her two sons with strong Christian values. Joanie enjoyed being with her friends and family where she was often the life of the party. She battled ALS, Lou Gehrig Disease, for the latter portion of her life and eventually succumbed to the disease at 70 years old.

Survived by: Husband of 52 years: Jimmie D Varnado of Franklinton, LA; Son and Daughter in Law: D. Scott and Lindsey Varnado of Fort Myers, FL; Son and Daughter in Law: Craig and Jennifer Varnado of Fort Myers, FL; Six Grandchildren: Avery, Gavin, Dylan, Briley, Violet and Reid Varnado all of Fort Myers, FL; Sister: Lillie Dykes; Brother and Sister in Law: Clay and Rita Sanders; Father in Law: Fred Hoggatt; Also several loved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Sanders and Eloise Sanders-Miller of Franklinton LA, sister and brother in law Elouise and Larry Jenkins, mother in law Josie Hoggatt, father in law Damon Varnado and brother in law Kenneth Dykes.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Thursday September 5th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Friday September 6th at 10:00 am officiated by Rev. Rick Cook. Pallbearers are Charles Jenkins, David Jenkins, Keith Dykes, Dennis Dykes, David Creel and Randy Welch.

In memory of Joan Varnado, please donate in her name to ALS Association: www.als.org