Grace Kennerly Varnado

       Funeral services for Grace Kennerly Varnado 90, of Pollok, will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at First Church United Pentecostal in Lufkin with Brother Stanley officiating. Interment will follow at Gann Cemetery Pollok along with Honors from Deep East Texas Nursing Honor Guard.

       Mrs. Varnado was born on January  26, 1933, in Lufkin ,Texas, to the late John Selwin Kennerly and Lela Hensley, and died Saturday, December 23, 2023, in Huntington surrounded by her family.

       She worked in Private Duty Nursing for about 50 years and was very well known and respected for the knowledge and care she delivered. She was known as a nurse that knew what you needed before you needed it and never left your side. Prior to that period of time, she was employed at the “Old” Woodland Heights Hospital. She was known as “Lewis”. She was also a  midwife who delivered her only grandson. Mrs. Varnado graduated from Massey Business College in Lufkin.

       She was a faithful member of The Lufkin First Church UPC. Mrs. Varnado loved Jesus and was a faithful prayer warrior and witness until just prior to her passing. She loved and appreciated her pastor and his wife Bro. and Sister Stanley, along with her church family. Mrs. Varnado was always the “go to” in the family when prayers were needed. She loved her family, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mrs. Varnado cared for everyone and never took much time for herself. To be known and loved by Grace was a privilege. If you knew her at all, you knew that she loved to shop and buy for everyone, except herself. Mrs. Varnado would make soup when anyone was sick but she always made sure to use “real chicken”. 

       Mrs. Varnado is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, DeeDee Bates and Garland Bates of Pollok TX; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Carlton and Nina Lewis of Pollok TX; son and daughter-in-law, Clifford and Tammie Lewis of Pollok TX; daughter-in-law, Susan Lewis of Pollok TX; son and daughter-in-law, Kirk and Amy Varnado of Lumberton TX; daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Roger Young of Mobile Alabama; sixteen grandchildren; twenty eight great grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.

       She was preceded in death by spouse, Herman Varnado; son, Winfred Earl Lewis, Jr.; brothers, Loye Kennerly, West Kennerly, and Clyde Kennerly; sisters, Carrie Davis, and Sedalia Kennerly; and granddaughter Carla Lewis Poage.

       Pallbearers will be Hagen Powers, Ryder Powers, Logan Kent, Hunter Kent, Corporal Charles Rhodes, Mason Lewis, Chase Evett.

       Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Lewis, Charlie Kent, Lloyd Gillispie, and David Frankens.

       Family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff of Huntington Healthcare.  We would also like to thank Hospice in the Pines for the caring and compassion that was provided in the last few days.

       In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lufkin First Church UPC.

       Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday , December 29, 2023, at First Church United Pentecostal.

          Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.