Eloise Vivian Varner

Eloise Vivian Varner was born on January 25, 1937 in Summerville, South Carolina. She was the fourth child of eight siblings of the late Roosevelt Ford and Marie Ford. She was called to her eternal home on June 22, 2024. Vivian graduated from Berkley Training School in Moncks Corner, SC and participated with the 4H Club. Known for her Coca-Cola figure, she attracted many a fella, one turned out to be Charles Varner. Her spicy personality earned her the nickname of “Duke” because “she didn’t take no stuff” and told it like it ‘tis. After graduating she moved to the Bronx, New York, her first employment was as a live-in maid and nanny. Other jobs included working in an office and later a factory. She married the love of her life, Charles Logan Varner, August 17, 1963. She was a devoted wife and mother, her most cherished job. She also tried her hand as a teacher’s assistant. Many know her from her many years as a sales representative in the men’s department at Nellis AFB Base Exchange, Las Vegas, NV, finally completing her paid employment as an accuracy control associate at TJ Maxx Distribution Center. Vivian enjoyed league bowling and singing with the Nellis Air Force Base gospel choir. Vivian was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother, Florine Heyward, Allen Ford, and Daisy Thorne. Her loving memories will always be cherished by: her husband of nearly 61 years, Charles Varner of Las Vegas, NV; two daughters, Elicha Varner of Durham, NC and Sonja Varner-Alston (Gean) of Waldorf, MD; one son, Terrence Varner of North Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren, Breeana (Cody) Howard of Sanford, FL, Tyree Alston of Crestview, FL, Ashton Varner of Las Vegas, NV, and Sydney Varner of North Las Vegas, NV; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Howard, Luka Howard, and Jeanette Howard of Sanford, FL; two sisters, Doris (Betty) Wilson of Moncks Corner, SC and Blanche Mance of Danbury; two brothers, Lavone (Mary) Ford of Moncks Corner, SC and Elbert (Lillian) Ford of Summerville, SC; one brother-n-law, Edmund (Irma) Varner of Brooklyn, NY; sisters-in-laws, Mary Ford of Summerville, SC and Laura Varner of Manhattan, NY; along with a host of nieces, nephews, numerous relatives, dedicated colleagues and friends. Wonderful memories of “Duke” as she was affectionately called, will last forever. The Varner family thanks all of our family and friends for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to her favorite charity St. Jude’s at https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8434323&fr_id=154020&pg=personal

Eloise Vivian Varner

January 25, 1937 - June 22, 2024