Lois Fuqua Varnell

Becker – Lois F. Varnell, 91, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015, at Golden Living Nursing Home, Amory. Born on August 15, 1923, in Becker, she was a daughter of the late Peyton and Zula Inez West Fuqua.

As a young girl, Lois grew up on her family’s farm and learned her values and work ethic from her parents. She grew to love animals and appreciate the important role that agriculture was to our nation. She was an intelligent woman, who received her bachelor’s degree in 1944 from MSCW, “The W,” and later she obtained her master’s degree from MSU. She was a member of the Greenbriar Methodist Church in Becker. Lois was passionate about young people’s lives and helping them gain footstools to success in life. She worked briefly in Oak Ridge, TN, and taught school in Monroe County before becoming a long-term 4-H Agent and Home Economist in Monroe and Chickasaw Counties for MSU Extension Service.

Not only was Lois active at work, she was active during her free time. Some of the things she did included being a member of Amory Flower Lover’s Garden Club, volunteering for multiple civic projects in Amory and Monroe County, visiting the elderly and volunteering in long term care facilities. Some of her closest friends were Dorothy Poore, Peggy Glenn, and Bobbie Miller. Lois also liked to garden, arrange flowers, scrapbook, and helping shape youth to reach their highest potential and become successful in life. Despite all these things, she also found time to be the Becker Historian for many years. Her favorite music was Gospel, specifically the old hymns. Lois touched many people’s lives and her giving and caring spirit will live on in their memories.

Survivors include her long-time friends, Billy and Mary Jo Kirkpatrick, Amory and special friend, Joy Jordan, Gainesville, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peyton and Zula Fuqua.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, July 23, 2015, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Bro. Sammy Washburn and Bro. Tom Sheffield officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be R.W. Cantrell, Daniel Armstrong, Murel Tubb, Dan West, Harold West, Douglas Tubb, and Carl Stahl. Honorary pallbearers will be the Amory Flower Lover’s Garden Club Members.

Visitation will be from 5 - 8 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Greenbriar United Methodist Church, c/o Howard Moon, P.O. Box 128, Becker, MS 38825 or the American Cancer Society, c/o Beth May P.O. Box 269, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.