Donna Varner Obituary

As Long as we have memories
Yesterday remains.
As long as we have hope
Tomorrow awaits.
As long as we love
Today is beautiful

I miss you everyday Moma. I know your still with me. I carry you in my heart

To our Family and Friends;
Most of our family and friends called her Donna. She was my Donna Lynn. Nothing else seemed to fit 'til the day at that stop sign when she asked, "What's coming, "Ethel"?", and I said, "Nothing. Punch it Margaret!" - in keeping with the movie "Thelma and Louise". We both loved that movie because of those women trying to escape their everyday lives. Sometimes that is what Donna Lynn and I felt. In recent years instead of Thelma & Louise, we were "Margaret" and "Ethel". I loved it when she called me "Ethel" and I loved calling her "Margaret". She was my "Margaret". There it is again, that word my. She was my cousin, my friend, my sister person, my listener and my person who called on me when she was at the bottom again and needed someone to talk with. She called me, imagine that. Was I somehow her rock? Did she know she had been mine? So many times I called her because I needed someone to talk to. We could tell each other anything and we could tell each other everything. Neither of us could or did fix each other's problems; but we knew the other was always there, thus we forged on in life. She knew my faults, as I knew hers. It was understood between us it was O.K. if we said negative things about each other but if anyone else said too much, well, it just didn't set well with us. Isn't that great? The love was always there. She spoke of unconditional love often. She taught me unconditional love. O.K., let's say it, her life was amiss at times with bad choices and bad decisions, but that was not all she was about. Donna Lynn searched for a close relationship with God from a very early age and was still growing in that relationship. Throughout our lives, we had many discussions that lasted hours about our belief in God. I am glad I know the strength of her belief. Donna Lynn never put herself above anyone else. Donna Lynn had a kind, loving, caring and giving heart. Donna Lynn loved nice things, but her favorite things were the simple things in life. She loved get-togethers with family and friends, flowers, making things with her hands, music, and just fishing off the river bank. No straw hat for Donna Lynn....she loved the sun. She didn't even mind if we didn't catch a thing. She went home happy and tanned. So many times she walked into my home saying, "I got you this because I knew you'd like it." Just some little trinket. She knew the little things so dear to my heart. Always caring, giving, and wanting for my heart to be happy. Such an intense personality; that smile; that desire for the ones around her to have a good time; and the many pots of coffee we shared. In recent years we have been apart as our lives took us in different directions. I shared with Donna Lynn years ago, that each time I make coffee I make extra hoping she'll show up and I can share it with her. I'll never make a pot of coffee without wishing she would come and share a cup with me. I remember that beautiful little girl, my little cousin, Donna Lynn, who lived far away and came to our Grandmomma's house on special occasions. I looked forward to her happy, smiling face and the fun we had playing with each other. I remember the fun times at Short Stay and how Donna Lynn loved to dance. As a young child, if there was music, she was going to dance. Life brought us close together physically as we raised our babies together and spent most of our adult lives living close to one another. We've shared good times and bad times. We've had times when we were really close and all was well. We've had times when we were at odds with each other. We have constantly been in and out of each others lives. I'd let her down or she'd let me down, but before long we'd come around and there we were again just like nothing ever happened. That's unconditional love. The other day, we were at a stop sign again but I didn't know it. You punched it and I didn't go with you this time. But until we meet again, I'll miss you "Margaret".

"Ethel"

It is so hard to deal with the loss of Aunt Donna. I am grateful that God granted me some special days with her before she left us. I will never forget how she always made me feel worthy of love and praise. She always wanted to give you something when you saw her. But what she didn't know was that she was giving me more than things. She was giving me confidence and love. I know that it will be hard for everyone, especially Allen, DeeAnne, Stacy, mom and Uncle Bubba. But you guys know that I love you, and I will help pick you up when you get weak. I cry because it hurts so bad, and then I cry because ya'll hurt so bad. But just know that she walks with God and everyone else that we miss. At least I find comfort in that.

Donna Lynn, "Margaret" my "Friend", I'll cherish the good times we shared. My heart is broken. Your memory will live in my heart. Until we meet again .....With Much Love, Ethel

Allan, sorry for your loss,Only GOD knows the whys and the whens but we have to trust in his will to be done.My prayers are with you all.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Nita and Family, Sorry to read of the death of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Pat, Clyde and family

If only I'd had known you wouldn't be here today, I would have kept in touch or visited you more often. We had some great times growing up. You were lucky to have two sisters growing up, but I was lucky to have you because you were more like a sister instead of a cousin. I will miss you deeply.